Bills would take Texas' illegal sodomy ban off books

[The Philosopher]

from Statesman.com

"Homosexual conduct" is still on the books as a crime in Texas eight years after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the law unconstitutional.

But legislation to bring Texas law into line with the U.S. Constitution faces a rough ride through the Legislature , which traditionally has been reluctant to extend legal protections to people based on their sexual orientation.

Although Texas' so-called sodomy law cannot be enforced legally, civil rights advocates say it should be removed from the books because it creates a climate favorable to bullying, gay-bashing and hate crimes.

"By leaving it on the books, you create the potential for abuse," said Jim Harrington, director of the Texas Civil Rights Project , which is representing two gay men who were kicked out of an El Paso restaurant in 2009 for kissing in public.

http://www.statesman.com/news/texas-politics/bills-would-take-texas-illegal-sodomy-ban-off-1349429.html?viewAsSinglePage=true">Click Here To Read More

[joeybee12]

1. Also by leaving it on the books, the a**holes are hoping eventually SCOTUS

reverses itself and the laws ARE enforceable.

[The Philosopher]

2. Agree

Just because Republicans complain about the courts ("activist" judges and whatnot) doesn't mean they won't use them when they see fit. After all, that's going on with the Supreme Court right now. When they get enough political and legislative support, they'll use the courts to their advantage. It's too bad many won't see this because of politics. It'll end up fucking us all over in the end.