Anti-gay adoption bill filed in Tennessee

By David W. Shelton | January 31, 2008 |

Discriminatory legislation should be rejected

Yesterday, Rep. John Deberry (D-Memphis) and Senator Paul Stanley (R-Memphis) filed companion bills that would prohibit “any individual who is cohabitating in a sexual relationship outside of a marriage that is valid under the constitution and laws of this state from adopting a minor.”

The companion bills are SB3910 and HB3713. It is more than a little disturbing to realize that people believe–even in today’s world– that gay and lesbian people can not be (or already are) great parents. I think it goes deeper than that. Gay and lesbian people have consistently been the great whipping boys (and girls) of conservative neocons who appeal to a deep hatred for the gay community to help boost their own popularity. Sadly, this kind of contempt goes far beyond mere religious views.

Clarksville’s own representative, Rep. Joe Pitts, stands in stark contrast to Deberry and Stanley. Pitts has sponsored or co-sponsored several bills that directly affect a real threat to our children– child sexual offenders– which I applaud. These predators should be identified, deterred, and imprisoned at all cost. These vile predators are the real threats to our children, not loving, committed gay and lesbian people who want to provide safe homes for children. «Read the rest of this article»

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Snow, sleet, freezing rain cancel school; more snow and ice on the way

By Christine Anne Piesyk | January 31, 2008 |

Clarksville awoke to the sound of sleet pelting windows; a glimpse outside revealed a wintry mix of snow and sleet coating the ground and turning roadways to a slick, slippery mess. Officials were quick to cancel school for the day in anticipation of a change to freezing rain by mid-morning, according to the National Weather Service.

At 8 a.m. today, side streets, walkways and parking lots remained snow covered and slippery. Driving is considered hazardous this morning; officials urge drivers who have to be on the roads to slow down and use extra caution when navigating slushy and snow-covered streets. Numerous accidents have been reported on I-24 and along the Kentucky-Tennessee state line.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for the region. «Read the rest of this article»

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