Kentucky Democrat Introduces Two Anti-LGBT Bills

[left-of-center2012]

Source: Advocate

His state is one of the poorest in the nation, but Rep. Rick Nelson thinks LGBT people are Kentucky’s most pressing problem. The Middlesboro Democrat introduced an antigay “License to Discriminate” bill and an anti-trans “Bathroom Bill” on the Kentucky General Assembly’s first working day of 2017.

Nelson’s House Bill 105 is a typical “religious freedom” bill, according to the Courier-Journal. It says no law or court order shall supersede “a person’s right of conscience” and religious freedom; ostensibly opening up discrimination against LGBT patrons by conservative business owners. Meanwhile, House Bill 106 would require bathrooms in public schools, state universities, and government buildings to “only be used by persons based on their biological sex.”

Nelson, a proud Baptist, represents a slice of southeastern Kentucky and has served in the assembly since 2001. Ironically, Kentucky’s Republican governor, Matt Bevin, and GOP House Speaker Jeff Hoover are not interested in anti-LGBT legislation, instead hoping to focus on bringing jobs to poverty-stricken Kentucky.

Only last month, Bevin said “bathroom bills” are unnecessary since they address a non-existent problem. While Republican leadership appears opposed to anti-LGBT bills, it’s not clear if the rest of the legislature — controlled by Republicans — will fall in line.

"The effect of passing this type of discriminatory legislation is clear. It will cost the state millions of dollars," Chris Hartman, director of Kentucky’s Fairness Campaign, said in a statement. "If Kentucky lawmakers want to remain focused on improving our commonwealth's economy, this is exactly the legislation they should avoid. Furthermore, if Kentucky fans hope to host NCAA College Basketball championship games in the future, they must speak out against HB 105 and HB 106."

Read more: http://www.advocate.com/politics/2017/1/04/kentucky-democrat-introduces-two-anti-lgbt-bills

[HassleCat]

1. Good thing they elected a "Democrat"

A Republican might sponsor hate legislation.

[Jake Stern]

13. Indeed

[m-lekktor]

20. according to the anti-Bernie people that party label is the most important thing evah!1nt

[Paladin]

2. Life in the time of Trump.

Legislative pinheads like this guy in Kentucky have only been encouraged by the incoming regime. I want my country back.

[NoMoreRepugs]

3. "Proud Baptist" oftentimes means "Equal Opportunity Hater"

[JI7]

4. dixiecrat

There are more registered dems there than republican but it's these types which is why dems lose unless they run on some bigotry.

[angrychair]

5. This should get reported

There shall never be an ill word spoken of a Democrat. You are all traitors for speaking poorly of a Democrat.
Democrats are great and this is a great Democrat.
Having a "D" after your name means you have to support them, no matter what.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
(if needed)

[jalan48]

6. Yep-that "D" is the all important issue. It's not what that "D" stands for.

[Jake Stern]

12. In this case D represents a slang term for male genitalia

that rhymes with stick.

[secondwind]

7. That man is NO Democrat.

[BlueMTexpat]

8. +1! eom

[Mc Mike]

9. "Dems" like him, we can do without.

"christians" like him, ditto.

[Jake Stern]

10. next time someone on DU says "Vote Blue no matter who"

Or complains how terrible it is to primary a fellow Democrat, show 'em this.

[Mime-Is-Money]

14. My guess is that he's pandering to the voters of his district

It's an extremely RED district, on many levels, and dude just wants to keep his seat. Let's hope cooler heads prevail (sometimes a herculean effort from state reps in my home state) and this guy eventually is voted out in mid-terms.

[left-of-center2012]

15. Can you sponsor hate bills and still be a Christian? n/t

[treestar]

16. If that's the KY Democrat, imagine the Republican

[disillusioned73]

17. I wonder...

where is the "he's not a "D"" crowd on this one???... crickets & hypocrites - one in the same..

[Roland99]

18. Sounds like the very last Dixiecrat

[QC]

19. But he has the magic letter after his name, unlike

a certain old hippie meanie I can name, so all is good!