DCF hires activist for religious right causes ( Florida)

[Judi Lynn]

Posted on Fri, Aug. 29, 2003

DCF hires activist for religious right causes
BY CAROL MARBIN MILLER
[e-mail]

Florida Department of Children & Families Secretary Jerry Regier, still facing criticism over his efforts to appoint a guardian for the fetus of a disabled rape victim, has hired a high-ranking attorney for the department who identifies himself as a culture warrior for religious conservatives.

James H.K. Bruner, the founder and former executive director of the conservative New York Family Policy Council, described public schools in a current newsletter as ''battlegrounds,'' and bemoaned how students are 'subjected to `diversity trainings' or 'tolerance instruction.' ''

Bruner, who will hold the title ''special assistant to the general counsel'' and will be paid about $82,000, is not licensed to practice law in Florida, though he plans to take the state's bar exam quickly in order to obtain a license, Regier said Thursday.

Bruner's hiring comes on the heels of one the department's more controversial moves: DCF has asked a Daytona Beach appeals court to order the appointment of a guardian for the fetus of a severely disabled rape victim. Known in court papers as J.D.S., the woman had been under DCF's care when she was assaulted.

Abortion rights activists claim the bid is aimed at securing a victory for the anti-abortion movement. (snip/...)

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/state/6645465.htm

[ClintonTyree]

1. With each passing day.................

I become more ashamed to live in this poor excuse for a state. What the hell is wrong with people here? I moved here last November (just before the elections) hoping the people of Florida would come to their senses and oust Jebbie and the Neo-Con cabal that runs it. I'm beginning to realise that the people of Florida relish the idea of being a banana republic with a religious zealot as Governor. I feel I've made a grave error in my decision to move here.
I'm originally from the northest, and if it wasn't for the weather......

[saigon68]

2. banana republic with a religious zealot as Governor

Otherwise a very nice place to visit and live in.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. The real message is

only right-wing intolerant Christianity is to be allowed in FL. Women are second-class citizens who should be proud to bear children conceived by rape. If FL is a banana republic, I wish that someone would start a coup there.....

[dmr]

4. And, here I thought Florida was having budget problems

HA! Jebby and gang can afford this guy's 82,000 dollar yearly salary and the resources to go with it? Imagine this money used for the kids instead of a governor imposing his religious agenda. Bemoaning "diversity training' or tolerance instruction'? I thought that is what Christ teaches .... silly me.