Oklahoma State Rep. Sally Kern met with representatives from the Oklahoma City chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). The group reports that Kern did not issue an apology for her remarks that homosexuality is a greater threat to the United States than terrorism, nor was she asked for one.
Via PFLAG: “Rev. Loyce Newton-Edwards, president of the Oklahoma City PFLAG chapter, was joined in the meeting by Dr. Rev. Kathy McCallie, pastor of the Church of the Open Arms and Rev. Jim Shields, a retired UnitedMethodistChurch minister from Kern's district. The group requested a meeting with Kern following a March 18 rally at the state capitol. In her meeting with PFLAG supporters today, Kern said that ‘I agree with' the idea that gay and lesbian Americans should not be fired from their jobs because of their sexual orientation. ‘We appreciate Representative Kern taking the time to meet with us and consider an important, ongoing dialogue about our families and loved ones,' said Rev. Newton-Edwards. ‘Representative Kern expressed a commendable desire to consider every family, every Oklahoman and every constituent. Today, she took an important first step forward that, we hope, will be the beginning of many conversations with our families and our community.'”
Said Jody M. Huckaby, executive director of PFLAG: “As Representative Kern begins to listen to voices from across her district, and the state, she will hear the stories of hard-working, patriotic men and women who make our communities better, our nation safer and our families stronger. We appreciate this initial meeting, and PFLAG stands ready to be a resource to Kern and a champion for her constituents. We look forward to continuing today's conversation and working with Kern to move equality forward. Bringing communities together, rather than dividing the public with inflammatory words, should be a top priority of every elected leader. Kern will always find open arms and welcoming families at PFLAG.”
On Thursday evening, Kern was the guest speaker for the UCO's College Republicans. The Oklahoman reports: “Kern spent much of her speech explaining why she thought Christianity plays an important role in American government before turning her attention to her previous comments and taking questions from the audience. Most of the questions came from people who disagreed with Kern's views.”
At one point, she said, “If I knew it was being recorded, I'd still say the same thing. I will not back down from what I believe the Bible teaches.”
Rep. Sally Kern is not asked to quit [the oklahoman]
Kern says she wouldn't change a thing [the oklahoman]
Oklahoma City PFLAG Supporters Meet with Sally Kern [pflag]
