Sally Kern (born November 27, 1946) is an American politician and former educator who served as a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives for the 84th district from 2005 to 2017.
Early life and education
Kern was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from the University of Texas at Arlington and a teaching credential from East Texas State University.[2]
Career
Kern authored a bill, which passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives in March 2008, mandating that students who believe in Young Earth creationism still receive passing grades in Earth science classes.[3] After being passed in the House, it was voted down in a Senate committee without reaching the floor for debate.[4]
Kern co-authored the Religious Viewpoints Anti-discrimination Act that included the provision "Students shall not be penalized or rewarded on account of the religious content of their work", which was vetoed by Governor Brad Henry.[5]
In March 2008, Kern made national headlines when she stated that homosexuality was a greater threat to national security than terrorism.[6]
After receiving attention for the remarks, Kern refused to apologize.[7][6][8] She received a standing ovation from fellow Republican legislators in a private meeting a few days later.[9] In response to Kern's comments, hundreds of gay and lesbian rights supporters protested at the Oklahoma State Capitol.[10] Over 1500 people later turned out at the Capitol to support her.[11][12]
Kern claimed to have received death threats that caused her to hire a bodyguard.[13][14]
In January 2015, she introduced three bills in the state legislature which would permit businesses to deny goods, services, or other forms of public accommodation to lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender people; prohibit the state from interfering if parents put their children through so-called "conversion therapy"; and to fire any state employee who grants (such as authorized by the district court ruling in Bishop v. Oklahoma) a same-sex marriage license.[15]
On May 2, 2011, The Oklahoma State House of Representatives publicly reprimanded Kern for the comments she made which some people interpreted as unflattering to blacks and women during a debate on affirmative action. Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, made the motion to reprimand her. A member objected, and the House voted 76–17 to reprimand Kern.[16][17]
In 2011, she published her memoir, The Stoning of Sally Kern: The Liberal Attack on Christian Conservatism – and Why We Must Take a Stand.[18]
Personal life
She is married to Steve Kern, pastor of Olivet Baptist Church in the Oklahoma City area.[19]
Election history
- 2004 Race for Oklahoma House of Representatives – District 84[20]
| Name | Votes | Percent | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sally Kern, Rep. | 8,815 | 67.65% | Won |
| Ronald E. Wasson, Dem. | 4,215 | 32.35% | Lost |
- 2006 Race for Oklahoma House of Representatives – District 84[21]
| Name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Sally Kern, Rep. | Won (Unopposed at filing) |
- 2008 Race for Oklahoma House of Representatives – District 84[22]
| Name | Votes | Percent | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sally Kern, Rep. | 7,230 | 57.95% | Won |
| Ron Marlett, Dem. | 5,247 | 42.05% | Lost |
- 2010 Race for Oklahoma House of Representatives – District 84[22]
| Name | Votes | Percent | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sally Kern, Rep. | 5,717 | 65.90% | Won |
| Brittany M. Novotny, Dem. | 2,958 | 34.10% | Lost |
In 2012, she was opposed in the Republican primary by small business owner Curtis Moore, but defeated him by 1500 votes to 507 for Moore; she was unopposed in the general election.[23]
In 2014 she was unopposed in both the primary and general elections.[24]
In 2016 she was term-limited and did not seek re-election.[25]
References
- ^ "General Election November 5, 2002 Summary Results" (PDF). Oklahoma State Election Board. Retrieved March 12, 2008.
- ^ "Sally Kern". Ballotpedia. Retrieved June 28, 2021.
- ^ "Legislative: HB 2211 Passes House Education Committee. Help Defeat this Very Bad Bill!". Oklahomans for Excellence in Science Education. Retrieved March 11, 2008.
- ^ "House Bill 2211 (Kern's 'Religious Viewpoints Antidiscrimination Act') Dies In Committee". Retrieved April 16, 2008.
- ^ "Henry vetoes 'Religious Viewpoints Antidiscrimination Act'". Tulsa World. Retrieved June 10, 2008.
- ^ a b "Oklahoma State Rep.: Gays "Biggest Threat" to US". Democracy Now. March 11, 2008. Retrieved March 14, 2008.
- ^ McNutt, Michael (March 10, 2008). "Kern vows not to apologize for remarks against homosexuality". Newsok.com. Retrieved January 5, 2014.
- ^ Paul ColichmanChief Executive Officer (October 23, 2013). "PlanetOut online news". Planetout.com. Retrieved January 5, 2014.
- ^ Hinton, Mick (March 11, 2008). "Kern cites support from GOP". Tulsa World. Retrieved March 13, 2008.
- ^ Branson, Hailey (March 19, 2008). "Oklahoma: Lawmaker's Comments Bring Protest". The New York Times. New York. p. A17.
- ^ McNutt, Michael (April 3, 2008). "Amid Controversy, Kern Gets Support". The Oklahoman. Retrieved April 3, 2008.
- ^ Branson, Hailey R. (March 19, 2008). "Oklahoma: Lawmaker's Comments Bring Protest". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 28, 2021.
- ^ "State Representative Under Attack by Anti-Christian Homosexual Hate Groups". CWFA.org. Concerned Women for America. March 14, 2008. Archived from the original on April 12, 2008. Retrieved March 16, 2008.
- ^ Phan, Katherine T. (March 15, 2008). "Lawmaker Threatened for Comparing Gay Lifestyle to Terrorism". Christian Post Reporter. The Christian Post. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
- ^ Mehta, Hemant (January 23, 2015). "Oklahoma State Rep. Sally Kern Files Three of Most Bigoted Anti-Gay Bills You'll Ever See". Friendly Atheist.
- ^ McNutt, Michael (May 3, 2011). "Oklahoma House reprimands Rep. Sally Kern". The Oklahoman.
- ^ "Oklahoma House Votes To Reprimand Sally Kern". KWTV-DT. May 2, 2011.
- ^ McNutt, Michael (March 5, 2011). "Oklahoma state Rep. Sally Kern writes book on national outcry". NewsOK. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
- ^ Oklahoma House of Representatives – Sally Kern.
- ^ "General Election November 4, 2004 Summary Results". Oklahoma State Election Board. Archived from the original on March 5, 2008. Retrieved March 12, 2008.
- ^ "Unopposed Candidates Elected" (PDF). Oklahoma State Election Board. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 19, 2008. Retrieved March 26, 2008.
- ^ a b "Kern foe files; Terrill, Cargill draw opponents". The Oklahoman. Retrieved June 10, 2008.
- ^ "Official election results for primary". Results.enr.clarityelections.com. Retrieved January 5, 2014.
- ^ Ballotpedia
- ^ Ballotpedia