Alabama Bill Sought to Ban Books by Gay Authors

[Unassisted]

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/...in691106.shtml

Alabama Bill Targets Gay Authors
MONTGOMERY, Ala., April 27, 2005

A college production tells the story of Matthew Sheppard, a student beaten to death because he was gay.

And soon, it could be banned in Alabama.

Republican Alabama lawmaker Gerald Allen says homosexuality is an unacceptable lifestyle. As CBS News Correspondent Mark Strassmann reports, under his bill, public school libraries could no longer buy new copies of plays or books by gay authors, or about gay characters.

"I don't look at it as censorship," says State Representative Gerald Allen. "I look at it as protecting the hearts and souls and minds of our children."

Books by any gay author would have to go: Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote and Gore Vidal. Alice Walker's novel "The Color Purple" has lesbian characters.

Allen originally wanted to ban even some Shakespeare. After criticism, he narrowed his bill to exempt the classics, although he still can't define what a classic is. Also exempted now Alabama's public and college libraries.

Librarian Donna Schremser fears the "thought police," would be patrolling her shelves.

"And so the idea that we would have a pristine collection that represents one political view, one religioius view, that's not a library,'' says Schremser.

"I think it's an absolutely absurd bill," says Mark Potok of the Southern Poverty Law Center.

First Amendment advocates say the ban clearly does amount to censorship.

"It's a Nazi book burning," says Potok. "You know, it's a remarkable piece of work."

But in book after book, Allen reads what he calls the "homosexual agenda,"
and he's alarmed.

"It's not healthy for America, it doesn't fit what we stand for," says Allen. "And they will do whatever it takes to reach their goal."

He says he sees this as a line in the sand.

In Alabama's legislature, the reviews of Allen's bill are still out on whether to lower this curtain for good.

Editor's Note: When the time for the vote in the legislature came there were not enough state legislators present for the vote, so the measure died automatically.

[Michael Allred]

Hardly surprising to see rednecks attempt this.

Ah, the bible and the wonderful things it causes people to do....

[RosieRed]

I saw a news report about this the other day. I find it beyond absurd.

[KronoRed]

Originally Posted by Michael Allred

Ah, the bible and the wonderful things it causes people to do....

There is nothing in the Bible telling people to do stuff like this.

[Chip R]

Originally Posted by Michael Allred

Hardly surprising to see rednecks attempt this.

Ah, the bible and the wonderful things it causes people to do....

Actually I think it's refreshing that enough Alabama state legislators had the good sense not to be present for the vote so it would have no chance to pass. If everyone is as redneck down there as you think, Michael, that bill would have had no problems passing.

Oh, and you get a warning for your second paragraph.

[Mutaman]

I think Michael's statement about the bible and the effects it can have was a valid political statement. Its a criticism of those who use religion as a cynical tool to accomplish some other goal-- an act that some people criticize the president for. I don't think it deserved a warning.

[RBA]

A warning for what? I don't understand. Mutaman is right.

I don't think he said only Rednecks were down there. He said only Rednecks would try this. Rednecks are all over, he just saying this is Redneck type behavior.

[Chip R]

Unfortunately for you two, it's not your call.

[RBA]

Well.

[RBA]

Was his remarks edited? I don't see what violates the rules?

[Mutaman]

Originally Posted by Chip R

Unfortunately for you two, it's not your call.

I'm aware of that, but I would think that a moderator would appreciate imput from us, and be openminded about it. There's no need to get defensive and there''s no need to give us a smart answer.

[GAC]

Input is always welcome. But one, as in Micheal's case, does not have to use name-calling and blanket labels to get his point across. It's funny, homosexuals don't like the labels thrown at them (and rightly so); but it's OK for them to throw them around and categorize an entire region of this nation?

The bill/legislation is stupid. And guess what? It's not going anywhere is it?

[WVRed]

Originally Posted by GAC

It's funny, homosexuals don't like the labels thrown at them (and rightly so); but it's OK for them to throw them around and categorize and entire region of this nation?

My thoughts exactly.

Is this any different from this thread?

http://www.redszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30020

[RBA]

I don't think it's name calling but right on. Michael stated how it really is. Is honesty the same as name-calling, I don't think so.

[RBA]

Originally Posted by GAC

but it's OK for them to throw them around and categorize and entire region of this nation?

How is what he stated, categorizing one entire region? Was the whole region attempting this? Or was it one segment of the population? i.e. The Redneck?