Miers Opposed Decriminalizing Sodomy Laws

[ruggerson]

This strikes her out in my book.

According to this AP story with a totally misleading headline, Miers opposed getting rid of Texas' arcane sodomy statutes, which criminalized consensual sex between two same sex adults.

The sodomy statute, along with all the other state sodomy statutes, has since been vacated by the Supreme Court ruling Lawrence V Texas.

But it's very disturbing that this woman felt the state had the right to criminalize gay men and lesbians.

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2005/10/03/national/a172304D12.DTL

"Miers opposed repeal of the Texas sodomy statute — a law later overturned by the court on which she will sit if confirmed — in a survey she filled out for a gay-rights group during her successful 1989 campaign."

[Laelth]

1. Yikes, but I can't say I'm surprised.

It would be hard to imagine a candidate worse than Miers.

More here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x2130848

-Laelth

[Chipper Chat]

2. Hmmm. I wonder if she sleeps on her stomach...

and it's OK if...well, you get the idea.
That's discrimination!
Will Biden dare bring this up?

[ovidsen]

3. How depressing.

At least John Roberts came down strongly in favor of the right to privacy during his Senate confirmation, a right which the Supreme Court used to reject the Texas sodomy ban. Not that I'm a John Roberts fan. But a lot of conservatives (Robert Bork comes to mind) insist that the right to privacy isn't guaranteed.

Lets see how Miz Miers answers this question during her conformation hearing.

[tocqueville]

4. Miz Miers, what have you against sodomy ?

I'd love to hear that question...

[DaveColorado]

5. I think that was in 1989

That was right after Bowers V Hardwick.

Attitudes have come a long way since then, so we don't really know what she thinks now.

I am encouraged that the wingers are really agitated over her.

That's a good thing, even though this woman would not be on my longest "short list" had I been the one nominating.

I guess what I'm saying is that this is about the best we can hope for from W, like the best we could have hoped from Reagan was O'Connor and Kennedy.

[Laelth]

6. I disagree.

She's probably worse than anyone sitting on the Court at the moment.

(See link to thread above for my further thoughts on the subject, if you're so inclined.)

Peace.

-Laelth

[Charlie Brown]

10. It's a huge stretch to say she's worse than Scalia and Thomas

How do you arrive at that conclusion?

[Laelth]

11. Just my opinion, of course.

But if you're so inclined, check out post #34 in this thread: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x2130848

I respond to that question pretty squarely.

-Laelth

[asjr]

7. I trust nothing that comes from this WH. Something

is out of kilter about this woman. Ordinarily, all right-wingers would be singing her praises, but we know from emails and some on TV that some are "very upset." Their protestations just do not ring true. Is this the plan? Because they are "upset" does this mean they think the Dems will go along with it? I have no doubt if she is chosen for SCOTUS we will see more than gay and lesbians civil rights undercut. With the other conservatives on deck; Scalia, Thomas, Roberts, Miers, they would be able to overturn Roe v Wade by turning one more judge. Maybe my tinfoil hat is too tight tonight, but that is just my gut feeling.

[Geek_Girl]

9. I don't trust anything from the WH

But she was on Reid's list and maybe even Leahy. I don't trust the White House but I think I'm going to trust the Dems on this one.

[Charlie Brown]

8. I'm no fan of Miers, but

In another article I read, one reason she supported upholding the status quo on the Texas Law was that it would not be an issue for the Dallas City Council.

She also indicated on the same questionaire that gays/lesbians were entitled to the same civil rights as everyone else, and that sexual orientation should not be a factor in employment.

And I have to admit, the fact that she met with this group at all is pretty impressive for a conservative.

You have to admit, this nomination could be a lot worse.