This is old news, but I found the following passage interesting:
Del. Gail Bates, R-District 9A, asked to remove a measure that would grant zoning inspectors the authority to impose fines for violations. The bill, introduced at the request of County Executive Ken Ulman, would allow Howard to hold a proceeding to determine whether to impose the penalties, rather than going through the courts.
“My concern always is the government is, or is perceived to be, heavy-handed,” Bates said, explaining her hesitations to approve the measure.
Delegate Bates must be against heavy handed government, which I think is great. However, could the good Delegate explain what could be heavier handed than the government disallowing gay marriages? She supports the ban on gay marriage, so I think she should explain her inconsistency.
2 comments:
It may be a "Delegate" thing, or maybe it is just being human, but Del. Bates does offer a clear contradiction here. I praise her for being open and clear on the gay marriage issue. I do disagree with her and when it comes time to vote I will look at her complete voting record. But I feel as strongly for, as she does against, and this could be the tie breaker. Del. Bates worked hard to win this election, and the Democrates know she would be harder to beat than Del. Miller. But her stand on this issue may be the tool that could be used to defeat her. I respect her religious beliefs, but I respect even more,the belief in human rights.
Well said, Jim. You should be on the Council. I too have a lot of respect for Bates and Miller for being open about their position, although I strongly disagree with it. It takes courage on their part to be so open about controversial beliefs.
Post a Comment