By Richard Engle

I have known for some time that a book was being written by State Representative Sally Kern and its subject was no surprise. It was to be an autobiography centering on the issues that brought her to national fame, or infamy, as the case may be. Her book, The Stoning of Sally Kern, is the subject of a book review elsewhere in this publication. Upon reading the book myself, there were some questions that I believed deserved attention. I will also say that I found it to be a very good book and an easy read -- better than I expected. I believe that Oklahomans with an attentive eye to the events surrounding Rep. Kern and state politics in general will find this interview enlightening.

I have known Sally since prior to her election to office and have had nothing but the highest respect for her, her beliefs, her service to our state and her husband, Rev. Dr. Steve Kern of the Olivet Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. That being said, I have also known that she will, on occasion, make comments "off the cuff" that don't completely reflect her true intent. I do the same thing from time to time.

The comments made that brought her so much unwanted attention appeared to me to be an example of such. When I heard that the venue was Tom Roach's Republican Club, I expected that his management of the club meetings might have had an impact on her ability to deliver her message as intended.

While I did not agree with every answer to every question, I found her responses to be honest. She was receptive to every question, and was not hesitant in any answer. An hour and a half interview can't be printed in full, but I will present the most salient portions.

One point of explanation: her book describes a particular individual as an "obnoxious gay." Despite her repeated protestations that she has no animus toward homosexuals, I truly expected her answer to a question about the phrase would include references to effeminate speaking and dress by gay men or other such stereotypes. I was pleasantly surprised by her alternative response.

Q. March 7, 2008, just over 3 years ago, you gave a speech. What led up to your giving that particular speech?

A. Tom Roach asked me to share at the Republican club, which meets at the Boulevard Cafeteria, what I had learned about how homosexual activists were organized to defeat conservatives in elections around the country. In 2006 they defeated 50 of the 70 conservatives they targeted. His introductory comments took longer than expected which gave me less time to speak than I was promised.

Q. Did the fact that you had less time to speak contribute to the controversy?

A. Without a doubt.

Q. Your book describes your remarks as "poorly worded" and "hurried." Could you have, should you have, been more careful in what you said?

A. I probably could have worded my statements better, but as a schoolteacher who tried to take the concepts I was teaching, I tried to put them in everyday language they could relate to. I was just doing the same thing.

Q. On reflection, how would you amend that speech?

A. I would say the homosexual agenda is extremely destructive not only to individual lives, but the very foundation of society. It's also dangerous because it is being done in secret.

Q. What is an "obnoxious gay"?

A. To me it's someone who is angry, in your face, aggressive when they speak to someone who opposes their viewpoint.

Q. You state, "Christian values bring blessings to the nation that embraces them." You spent most of your life persuading people -- through working with your pastor husband -- to embrace those values. For over a half dozen years you have had the opportunity to legislate them. Do you draw a line between where a value, a virtue, should be legislated and where it should be adhered to voluntarily? If so, how do you draw it and where?

A. First of all, I believe every bill legislates somebody's values. Our founding fathers understood internal restraints give us less need for external restraints. Government should be there to provide an environment that allows the law abiding to reach their fullest potential.Government protects people from those who would seek to violate the freedoms and rights of others. We should have as little government as possible.

Q. Are there sins that should not be legislated against?

A. Overeating, smoking, as just a couple of examples.

Q. Rosie O'Donnell made a comparison between Christianity and Islam as a threat. How does reaction to her comment compare with reaction to your own?

A. When she made her comments, Christians didn't rise up and say, "That's ridiculous!" When I made my comments homosexuals rose up against me. I think it shows the mind set of both groups.

Q. Do you think homosexuals or Christians think as a group?

A. I think homosexuals do. I think they have a specific goal they want to reach. Christians should have the goal of proclaiming the gospel and living consistent Christ like lives, but I don't think they are as motivated to proclaim their goals as the homosexuals are. If Christians were as committed to the truth of God's word as homosexuals are to their agenda, our society would be a more peaceful and Godly society.

Q. Let's talk frankly about homosexuality. Do you believe any form of same sex sexual activity is wrong? Sinful?

A. Yes. It distorts the character of God. The sex act builds the intimacy of the marriage relationship. The opposite sexes are designed to complement each other.

Q. What laws would you like to have in place regarding homosexual behavior?

A. We should prohibit schools from promoting it. Sodomy should be illegal.

Q. What about public displays of affection? What is the proper role of state or local law in such matters?

A. The state doesn't have much of a role in those matters if people exercise self control. It should be illegal to do anything in public that is clearly to be reserved for private places.

Q. It seems the "homosexual agenda" centers on "gay marriage" or some legal equivalent. As more states create legal "gay marriage" how should the State of Oklahoma respond?

A. I think our elected leaders reflect the values of the people who put them in office. We should not yield to what other states are doing. Same sex marriage is being imposed on people who don't want it to exist. The voters have never supported same sex marriage in any state.

Q. Does "gay marriage" threaten the marriages of people with traditional marriages?

A. Yes, I believe it does. It dilutes the very components of marriage -- fidelity, child rearing, and so forth. Studies show that same sex couples don't have the same kind of commitment. When you redefine marriage you destroy marriage. They want to destroy the institution of marriage.

Q. Should government get out of the business of marriage altogether? Why or why not?

A. No. Because there are legal issues such as child custody and joint property.

Q. Is sex with a person of the same sex more of a sin than other "out of wedlock" sex?

A. No, it's fornication. It's an immoral act either way.

Q. Can gay partners have any form of genuine love for each other, as straight couples (including those not married) do?

A. Yes, God created us to be people of relationships, but He defined those relationships. If that love is distorted into a sexual act outside marriage (between a man and a woman) it deprives them from learning what true love is in a committed monogamous relationship.

Q. Paula Ettlebrick said that being queer is about "transforming the very fabric of society." In your mind what does a queer society look like?

A. No sexual boundaries or restraints, resulting in moral chaos. That society does not provide a loving stable, healthy environment for current or future generations. Absent of modesty, vulgar -- almost animalistic if you will.

Q. Is there any degree to which you would like to see a "transforming of the very fabric of society?

A. Yes, a transforming that can only come about through another Great Awakening. George Washington believed that religion and morality were indispensable supports for providing political prosperity to the people. The role of government is extremely limited in that. Government can't change hearts -- only God can. I think we are on the road to suicide as a society. We are becoming a people without self restraint. The result will be a dictatorial government and we will no longer have a republic.

Q. You said, "God's laws are some of the highest evidence of His love." Why do you believe this?

A. We are sinners capable of the most horrendous things if left to ourselves without boundaries. He doesn't want the destruction that would come. Obeying God's laws is a blessing, not a burden.

To contact Rep. Kern for speaking engagements call 405-942-3504 or email her at SRKern@cox.net