If, as an open-minded liberal, you are somewhat uncomfortable with the idea that an individual, gay or otherwise, can be arrested for repeatedly tapping his foot in a public bathroom, I would suggest the Slate article up today that contains an email dialogue between the magazine’s editors.
Among other excellent points raised, there is this question: since when is propositioning someone illegal, even if done in a public place? Doesn’t there need to be more “conduct” involved for a lewd conduct charge?
Update: As you may have seen on today’s internets, Larry Craig held a press conference saying that he pleaded guilty — even though he is not really guilty — in order to make the situation go away. (That plan does not seem to have worked out for the senator.) Craig also said, “I am not gay.”
No, senator, you are not gay. You just like sex with men. And that’s fine. We just wish you would own up to it so young, gay Idahoans don’t think being homosexual is the worst thing in the world.
Update Update: Republican heavy Ralph Scott Reed is pissed. From the New York Times:
“The real question for Republicans in Washington is how low can you go, because we are approaching a level of ridiculousness,” said Mr. Reed, sounding exasperated in an interview on Tuesday morning. “You can’t make this stuff up. And the impact this is having on the grass-roots around the country is devastating. Republicans think the governing class in Washington are a bunch of buffoons who have total disregard for the principles of the party, the law of the land and the future of the country.”
