Kern wants Sooners to sign morality proclamation

Kern wants Sooners to sign morality proclamation She says the government is forsaking the country's "rich Christian heritage."

ALARMED Rep. Sally Kern: Her proclamation states that "our economic woes are consequences of our greater national moral crisis."

By BARBARA HOBEROCK World Capitol Bureau Published: 7/1/2009 2:21 AM Last Modified: 7/1/2009 2:17 PM

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View the complete Oklahoma Citizen’s Proclamation for Morality.

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OKLAHOMA CITY — A state lawmaker is urging Oklahomans to sign a morality proclamation "to acknowledge the need for a national awakening of righteousness." Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City, has called a news conference for noon Thursday on the first floor of the state Capitol to discuss the "Oklahoma Citizen's Proclamation for Morality," which might be sent to Gov. Brad Henry, President Barack Obama and the state's congressional delegation. "We believe our economic woes are consequences of our greater national moral crisis," a draft of the proclamation states. "This nation has become a world leader in promoting abortion, pornography, same sex marriage, sex trafficking, divorce, illegitimate births, child abuse, and many other forms of debauchery." The proclamation, which cites numerous quotes from the country's founders, states that those who sign are alarmed that the U.S. government is "forsaking the rich Christian heritage upon which this nation was built." The proclamation notes that Obama scaled back the National Day of Prayer events but signed a proclamation declaring June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month. It states that the signers are deeply disturbed by the president's disregard for "the biblical admonitions to live

clean and pure lives by proclaiming an entire month to an immoral behavior." The proclamation calls for God to grant a "national awakening of righteousness and Christian renewal as we repent of our great sin." Kern, who made headlines in 2008 when she said homosexuality is a greater threat to the United States than terrorism, said the proclamation merely makes a statement and does not place blame on the Obama administration or a particular group of people. "According to the Bible, homosexuality is just like adultery, murder or any number of sins," Kern said. "It is an immoral behavior and so he gave credence to that but wouldn't acknowledge our national day of prayer by honoring it with his presence." Toby Jenkins, president of Tulsa-based Oklahomans for Equality, said thousands of Oklahomans — many of whom are heterosexual and religious — recently celebrated the contributions and commitment of the lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual community. Jenkins said Kern "is outside of the mainstream for Oklahoma." Kern is entitled to her interpretation of the Bible and sacred texts, he said, but she is not open to any discussion outside her views. "There are many interpretations that do not see things the way she does," Jenkins said. Kern said details of how signatures for the proclamation will be gathered are still being worked out, but she said she hopes that the proclamation will be available for online signatures.