Wednesday, April 20, 2011
News Stacey Campfield Demands Payment to Debate Bill
Posted by Bianca Phillips on Wed, Apr 20, 2011 at 2:14 PM
Knoxville Representative Stacey Campfield wants a $1,000 retainer fee to debate his "Don't Say Gay" bill with Sordid Lives writer/director/creator Del Shores. But the Tennessee Equality Project says no way.
Shores, who also produced Queer As Folk, had a Facebook exchange with Campfield, asking him to debate SB0049, which would prohibit the teaching and furnishing of materials on human sexuality other than heterosexuality in public school grades K-8.
Here was Campfield's response: "I will happily debate you. I require a $1,000.00 (sic) retainer fee and all expenses covered. You can do with the rest all you want."
The Facebook exchange posted on the vibinc blog does not mention where the debate would have taken place, but you can read the full story there (and see screenshots of Shores' interaction with Campfield).
Shores contacted the Tennessee Equality Project (TEP) to seek help in raising Campfield's retainer fee, but TEP's Jonathan Cole wrote this in response:
TEP cannot justify raising money for an event that would financially benefit Sen. Campfield in his pursuit of anti-LGBT legislation to its donors. The fact that Campfield refused to debate his bill or homosexuality and the Bible without a $1,000 retainer fee plus expenses demonstrates to us that his only purpose is to use LGBT issues to fund his political and personal ambitions. His request for a fee may violate ethics rules. Sen. Campfield is a public servant who is paid by the State of Tennessee for his time as a legislator which includes debating his proposed legislation.
Shores' response showed his disappointment, though he agreed Campfield's retainer fee was "inappropriate." Here's part of Shores' letter to Cole:
So you are basically turning down an opportunity for huge nationwide exposure and coverage to benefit your organization because of his request for $1,000, which I agree is inappropriate, but this is something that could be used in every press release, every interview, every article for more exposure of his true self. And if it violates ethics rules, why wouldn’t you want that scandal and possible investigation?
The moral to the story? Well, you decide. Comment and let us know what you think.
Comments (38)
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Stacey Campfield is actually gay. He is just a little too bothered by gay people to be completely straight. Where there is smoke there is fire. I wouldn't doubt it if he were secretly cruising online for gay sex as we speak.
Am following Senate Education Committee debate on Campbfield bill against teaching homosexuality, pro or con. In one of the few bipartisan votes on a controversial education subject in this session, the committee voted 6-3 (3D's and 3R's in the majority) to accept an amendment in effect remanding the subject to the state Board of Education for study (where, Campfield complained, his annual bill on the subject has always ended up).
Campfield was pissed, but he should take solace in realizing he has brought the parties together on an issue.
Why not make it a fundraiser for charity? Make it for something "non-partisan" likea children's hospital, etc. We'll all chip in. Campfield would get crucified if he didn't attend a debate that would raise money for a children's hospital (or whatever).
Thanks for the article. I'm actually the writer/director/creator of Sordid Lives franchise, play, film and series. I was the executive producer and a writer on Queer As Folk. I would love to do this for charity! Here is the latest exchange between me and the "Senator". Amazing an elected official can be so juvenile! Del Shores
Del Ferd
Senator: Would I make the check out to you personally or do you need it to be made out to a company or other party? Let me know. I have a few ideas I'd like to run past you, venues and dates, as they come together. Thanks so much. Del Shores
Stacey Campfield
As expected, you cant even marshal enough support to cover the retainer for my travel expenses much less the cost of a venue or other expenses associated with such an event. I guess you and your ideas are not as popular as you thought are they?
I guess your media exposure will be of your failure to perform.
hahahahahahahaha
P.S. My bill to forbid the teaching of homosexuality to little children passed out of senate ed today.
Enjoy!!!
MY RESPONSE:
Del Ferd
Dear Senator:
Wow... never knew a Senator could act so juvenile. (hahahahaha .... really... seems like you are one of the children.)
I'm shocked that anybody had the good sense to elect you. I promise... this will be your last term.
Tell me where to send the check. That was what I asked. Made out to you personally? Or do you just want cash so it can't be traced?
I have many venues who will host. You are very disliked by many in your home state, just in case you haven't read your own press.
My mom was the high school debate coach, my Dad a Southern Baptist preacher. Do the math. With my wit, intelligence, knowledge of the Bible and humanity -- and maturity, I was slaughter you in a debate!
By the way, how much does it cost to travel across town? I offered to cover ALL costs, including your demand for $1000 fee (outside expenses) which I believe is an ethics violation as the press has picked up on. See, Senator, I didn't solicit press, but they came to me because of my facebook posts and because you have become a joke.
So, let's debate. Your hometown -- Knoxville.
Let's just clarify... you are asking me to pay you $1000 (YOUR WORDS DOCUMENTED IN WRITING HERE:
"Although it was you that brought up the bible not I, I will happily debate you. I require a $1000.00 retainer fee and all expenses covered. You can do with the rest all you want."
The debate will cover homosexuality and the Bible and your ridiculous bill "Don't Say Gay" bill -- of ignorance and hate.
Del Shores
Del Shores is a brilliant man, he has the knowledge, intelligence, wit and gentlemanly nature that will leave this senator on the receiving end of a verbal ass whoopin. Any gay organization looking for valid and respectable advertisement would be foolish not to sponsor this event.
The saddest thing of all is that in the year 2011 this is even being tolerated in the statehouse of ANY state.
Can you imagine what would happen if a bill were introduced banning the teaching of black history?
CHris, the Tennessee teap Party has already advocated doing just that, a couple of months ago.
In my experience, the anti gay activists that scream a little too loudly, are simply hiding in the closet with the boogeyman. There is no point in having a debate anyway. As soon as the ink was dry on this bill, it was as good as passed. When you think we have made so much progress, you just have to look at bills like this, popping up all over the country.
I spoke too soon about the bill being shunted aside in committee. That was the first action, and the matter WILL still be deflected to the state Board of Education temporarily for "study," but Campfield succeeded in returning with an amendment to an amendment. The bottom line was he got a compromise version referred to the floor that seems to mandate that the state Board insure that homosexuality won't be "taught."
So, as of now, a persistent Campfield seems to have brushed aside the brushers-aside and has his main point ready for a Senate floor vote.
Discussions on sexuality and alternative lifestyles have no place in elementary and middle school classrooms. And, in my opinion, are only somewhat appropriate in high school health or biology classes.
Scott/Angie - You are wrong - kids are experimenting with each other sexually in elementary school. If they do not have safe, appropriate information they have to find out somehow, right? There is a lot of science on the topic of sexuality education, and there are many tested courses. You can visit the website of listed, tested programs at SEICUS on the web: http://www.siecus.org/index.cfm?fuseaction…
Regardless of personal differences I may have with them, I want to commend TEP for refusing to fork over money for this.
I can't believe people in our community are so disillusioned and desparate that they'd PAY some cocky homophobic politico to debate with them...
All the decades of lobbying and millions of dollars we've thrown at ridiculous spectacles like this one, has failed to accomplish what a group of broke gay/trans people were able to accomplish in a single night outside of the Stonewall Inn.
If you really want rights/equality/whatever; writing checks and putting good faith in a legislator, won't suffice. Our rights are not an issue that can be compromised on and viewed as expendable or flexible. If we want total freedom for our community; we should settle for nothing less.
Only the defeated compromise and pander to the oppressors wants; the victors define freedom on their own terms. Which are we?
Representative Campfield, I agree with you on this issue. Stand strong on it. People are so loose today with what they say and do in the media and on the streets and on buses. There's no privacy any more, just bragging and showing off crude and immoral behavior, and the children are subjected to adult issues as if they were a decade older than they are. Where is the joy of innocence?
How about a restriction that's TRULY equal--no mention of anything related to sex, gender, or relationships, homosexual or heterosexual? Anyone mentioning their spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, or marriage, romance, kissing, or having children would be subject to a fine. I don't mind what straight people do in their bedrooms, but do they have to flaunt the fact of their heterosexuality in front of impressionable children?
I applaud Mr. Campfield and want to let him know that the VAST majority of TN is with him! For way too long the forces of tradition, morality, and decency been on the retreat in the culture war. Im glad people like Stacey are taking a stand. Bravo!
"I applaud Gov. Wallace and want to let him know that the VAST majority of AL is with him! For way too long the forces of tradition, morality, and decency been on the retreat in the culture war. Im glad people like Gov. Wallace are taking a stand (agin these nigras). Bravo!"
You cant choose to be black or white or any other race for that matter.
You CAN choose not to engage in deviant sexual behaviour.
And what do you base this deviance on? Your opinion? Your religion? The opinion of your mailman? Or maybe you just arbitrarily wrote down various sexual acts, placed them in a hat, and randomly drew out a few and labeled them as deviant? Maybe you could elaborate on this for us? Thanks.
Same sex intimacy is deviant. And don't forget, sodomy is still technically illegal in TN.
Is beastiality deviant? Pedophillia? If homosexuality is tolerated and promoted to our children then how long before those two?
I shall hoist thou on a thine own petard: Since 'moral' and 'deviant' are merely human semantic constructs then why shouldn't pedophillia or beastiality be given equal footing to sodomy? I mean, who are we to judge and set the moral standards, right?
Do we really want to open up the "who are you to define whats moral" can of worms?
Im an atheist by the way.
Ahhh the old strawman arguments of pedophilia and bestiality used to twist arguments and obscure the facts. You are attempting to compare the sexual relationship between two consenting, cognizant, sentient beings to acts that are committed (generally through force or coersion) against non-consenting animals and children, when there is none.
As for sodomy being illegal, I certainly hope that you're not getting any BJs from the missus since that would make you a criminal.
I'm an atheist and I find stupidity repugnant, but I'm not trying to legislate my opinion on to you now am I?
Nice caveat there, "generally through force or coercion". What if the child wants to enter into a relationship with an adult? Is it ok then?
And nope again on the sodomy thing.
M 39-13-510, Homosexual Acts, 30 days/$50, SAME SEX ONLY (my emphasis).
The fine isn't as stiff as it should be and unfortunately I doubt this law is ever actually enforced.
But it still is on the books.
I concede that homosexuality is an inborn trait. That does not, however, mean that you should engage in homosexual behavior. It is perfectly acceptable to lead a happy, celibate life. There is always pornography and your hands, to be frank and crude.
@Tsutton...
First learn what a 'petard' is, and why no one can be hoisted *on* one.
Second, learn what 'consent' is, and why children and animals can't give it.
Third, read Lawrence v. Texas which struck down *all* laws against consensual sodomy, including Tennessee's. Same for Loving v. Virginia in the case of black and white people 'choosing' to get married.
Are you saying that generally through force and coercion is wrong in regards to the argument at hand? I don't recall ever hearing about a chicken or a goat running over and begging to have sex, but then again I don't run around in your social circles.
As for your NAMBLA argument, there is a corresponding legally defined age of consent in each state. It's more about maturity and decision making ability than a blanket age. This of course ties in directly to my comment about consensual sex being "between two consenting, cognizant, sentient beings." It is also why there is a special law for those folks that serve as authority figures to youth.
Sodomy is clearly defined by Merriam-Webster as: "anal or oral copulation with a member of the same or opposite sex; also : copulation with an animal" (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/…).
TCA 39-13-510, the Homosexual Practices Act that was ruled unconstitutional in 1993? Yes, it is still "on the books" as you say, but was struck down in court, a ruling that was affirmed in the Tennessee Court of Appeals in 1996, and that the State Supreme Court concurred with by refusing to hear yet another appeal (also in 96). You should really read the Appeals Court ruling. It gives hope that common sense is still alive and well.
Want to try again?
"I concede that homosexuality is an inborn trait. That does not, however, mean that you should engage in homosexual behavior. It is perfectly acceptable to lead a happy, celibate life."
So gay people should lead celibate lives in order to keep you from feeling disgusted knowing that they might be committing sexual acts you find repugnant? You concede it is an inborn trait, since you are an atheist you have no religious basis to oppose it, so....you just don't LIKE the idea of gay sex, so therefore, gay people shouldn't be allowed (by the government?) to have gay sex?
I concede that being left-handed is an inborn trait, however, I find left-handed people morally abhorrent and therefore declare that they should be prohibited from using said hand. Why? Because I said so, dammit. (the mind reels)
Because Packrat, its just disgusting. The rear area is for waste removal, its not a sex organ. And decent people dont want to see a bunch of fairies cavorting around out and public holding hands and snogging in full view of easily impressionable children. Its just repulsive.
Not as repulsive as what you're typing.
People that spew your type of venom tend to be using a coping mechanism, usually compensation or projection. Is it that you don't have a happy relationship of any sort? Or possibly that you have gay thoughts when engaged in sexual situations? Or could it be that you're appearance matches your putrid attitude and other people don't want to see you snogging anyone in public? Which is it? I mean since you don't want to debate facts, maybe we can at least help you get to the root of your problem.
@T Sutton
The answer is perfectly clear. After you've tried butt sex, ATM, and BJs 5 or 6 times, if you still don't like them then you shouldn't do them.. just like eating your vegetables.
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