"Like Nothing Else in Tennessee..."

Kris Weberg | March 18, 2004
Tennessee County Wants to Ban Homosexuals

Story is here.

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The county that was the site of the Scopes "Monkey Trial" over the teaching of evolution is asking lawmakers to amend state law so the county can charge homosexuals with crimes against nature.

The Rhea County commissioners approved the request 8-0 Tuesday.

"We need to keep them out of here," Fugate said.

The vote was denounced by Matt Nevels, president of the Chattanooga chapter of Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.

"That is the most farfetched idea put forth by any kind of public official," Nevels said. "I'm outraged."

Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Texas' sodomy laws as a violation of adults' privacy.

Rhea County is one of the most conservative counties in Tennessee. It holds an annual festival commemorating the 1925 trial at which John T. Scopes was convicted of teaching evolution. The verdict was thrown out on a technicality. The trial became the subject of the play and movie "Inherit the Wind."

In 2002, a federal judge ruled unconstitutional the teaching of a Bible class in the public schools.

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I am inspired by this clear showing of the people's will in Rhea County, I've been inspired to present my own radical but, I think, sure to be popular legislative notion and try to garner support for it.

To wit:

I'd like to propose a bill that would give Rhea County away to any other nation willing to take it. I'm willing to work towards a Constitutional amendment if need be. All I need are your signatures and support, folks.

PS -- Any bets on when these folks will work out that their county is named for a pagan deity?

Melissa Erin | March 18, 2004
[hidden by request]

Kris Weberg | March 18, 2004
So I take it you'll support my proposed new law?

Melissa Erin | March 18, 2004
[hidden by request]

Anna Gregoline | March 18, 2004
I don't know how they suppose to prove that someone is a homosexual in order to enforce this law.

Also, I saw somewhere that the town's sign says, "We're glad you're here!" (unless you're queer.)

Melissa Erin | March 18, 2004
[hidden by request]

Jackie Mason | March 18, 2004
[hidden by request]

Scott Hardie | March 18, 2004
The law in Texas banned any form of sodomy. But, like traffic violations and other minor offenses, it was enforced at the whim of investigating officers, who only charged homosexuals.

Lori Lancaster | March 18, 2004
[hidden by request]

Melissa Erin | March 18, 2004
[hidden by request]

Anna Gregoline | March 19, 2004
Weren't there a few states that force convicted sex offenders to register in their hometown, and put a sign on their door, or something? The idea of registered homosexuals cracks me up.

Scott Hardie | March 19, 2004
Yup. Next they'll be wearing black armbands with stars of David on them.

Anna Gregoline | March 19, 2004
Don't forget the Communists!

Scott Hardie | March 19, 2004
Whaddya know, they caved.

Anna Gregoline | March 19, 2004
Thank goodness. That's the kind of thing I like to see.