Texas: Capitol officer disciplined for comment to gay couple

[Quetzal]

Capitol officer disciplined for comment to gay couple

AUSTIN - A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper has been placed on probation for telling two gay men who were kissing at the state Capitol that homosexual conduct was illegal in Texas.

Trooper Michael Carlson was placed on job probation for six months and given a written reprimand, DPS spokeswoman Tela Mange said Friday. Carlson, who has been a DPS trooper for three years, also has been ordered to have more training on Texas laws.

Texas law does not prohibit gays from kissing. Also, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the state's anti-sodomy law in June 2003.

"I'm very pleased," said John Corvino, a former University of Texas at Austin graduate student who was one of the men involved. "As someone charged with enforcing the law, he ought to be better informed."

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Capitol officer disciplined for comment to gay couple

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What was the officer hoping to do? Overturn Lawrence vs. Texas?

[BeeBee]

1. As a gay man,

I've always been annoyed that straight couples are given "passes" when they are practically "going at it" in public but gay people are "flaunting their sexuality" when they hold hands or kiss.
:grr:

[donco6]

2. I haven't had this happen yet.

But am waiting for the day. We don't "go at it" in public, just the usual goodbye kiss at the airport, or at the hospital if one of us is sick, etc. The usual things straight people do that no one even notices.

What would be some good comebacks if someone were to make a comment? I can never think of them at the time.

[Siyahamba]

4. Ugh, exactly

Even mention your signficant other at work when someone asks if you're single and all of a sudden you're "flaunting your lifestyle in their face!"

Of course, heterosexuals can tell everyone about their bridal shower or show everyone pictures of their new baby and they're congratulated.

:mad:

[davidinalameda]

3. it's harassment pure and simple

shame they would lose in a civil trial if they sued the prick

doubtful that any jury in Texas would find in favor of them