Man denied being a judge because he is gay

Stories in the News:

I. A man named Tracy Thorne-Begland’s was blocked from becoming a judge in Virginia, beause he is gay. Supposedly, anti-gay legislators were worried that he would not be impartial enough if he ruled on anti-gay unconstitutional legislation that might come before him. What is strange though, is that this judgeship would have only involved low level criminal offenes, and would not have involved any ruling on anti-gay legislation, anyway.

But, according to Virginia Del. Bob Marshall (Republican), “I don’t even think it’s proper to put his name forward because of his behavior.” His behavior, being gay? That would be like saying an African American shouldn't be a judge, for being black. Anti-gay prejuidence and hatred are still, unfortunately, strong in America.

Oh by the way, many conservative commentators are stating or implying it is wrong for President Obama to oppose anti-gay beliefs in African American churchs. That is so condescending. There is no more reason to tolerate homophobia among black churches versus white churches.

II. A 14 year old boy in Ohio is being charged with statutory rape for consensual sex with a 12 year old girl. There is a gap in age between the two, and if this was a 12 year old and a 16 year old, I would be for this criminal charge. But, a 14 year old isn't that much older than a 12 year old. I am afraid that when this kid is 60, he will still have to register as a sex offender. His life is basically destroyed. Is this good public policy?

The fact is, even if he was 12 years old, he still might have been charged with a criminal offense. This has happened before, with someone charged with a criminal offense for sex they aren't old enough to consent.

III. An Idaho pharmacist denied a drug to a woman to stop bleeding. In Idaho, the law allows for pharmacists to make a decision to deny a drug if it is used for something like the morning after pill. But, this drug's purpose was to stop bleeding, not to end a fertilization. This pharmacist was not punished by a board that regulates pharmacists in that state.

The woman could have bled to death but I guess all was O.K., because a pharmacist later gave her her medication. What if there was only one pharmacist who worked at this Walgreens? The pharmacist should have either lost her license or been fired.