Tulsa World: Kern promotes Oklahoma Morality Proclamation

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Kern promotes Oklahoma Morality Proclamation

State Rep. Sally Kern reads her proclamation for morality at a state Capitol rally Thursday morning where she was heckled by protesters who urged her to "love they neighbor." More than 200 people gathered at the rally where participants were invited to add their signatures to the proclamation. The document declares the need for a spiritual renewal in the nation to address societal problems. JIM BECKE/NewsOK.com

By BARBARA HOBEROCK World Capitol Bureau
Published: 7/2/2009 1:35 PM
Last Modified: 7/2/2009 4:45 PM

Oklahoma Citizens Proclamation for Morality : Read the text of a "Proclamation for Morality" released by Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City.

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OKLAHOMA CITY -- A circus-like atmosphere broke out Thursday during a rally to launch Rep. Sally Kern's morality proclamation.

Protestors repeatedly interrupted Kern, R-Oklahoma City, and her supporters, chanting for the separation of church and state and calling Kern and her supporters hypocrites.

A crowd of more than 200 Kern supporters, including Republican Reps. Mike Reynolds of Oklahoma City and Lisa Billy of Lindsay, and protestors were present on the first floor of the state Capitol.

The proclamation calls for a national awakening of righteousness.

"We believe our economic woes are consequences of our greater national moral crisis,"

the proclamation states. "This nation has become a world leader in promoting abortion, pornography, same sex marriage, sex trafficking, divorce, illegitimate births, child abuse, and many other forms of debauchery."

The petition can be read and signed by going to www.reclaimoklahoma.org.

Chants of "shame on you" were interrupted by the singing of "God Bless America," only to be interrupted by calls for everyone to love their neighbor.

Capt. Pete Norwood of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said protestors did not have a permit to be present. He said no one was arrested, but signs carried by protestors were secured.

"I can't stop them from having a voice without civil disruption," Norwood said. "It would be an embarrassment. I will not embarrass my state."

Critics accused Kern of using state resources to promote religion. The proclamation makes several references to religion.

Kern said as a state representative whose decisions are based on her religious beliefs, she is entitled to use the House resources to get her message out.

Kern said the proclamation blames no one and is not legislation, but merely a statement. It will be sent to the state's congressional delegation, President Barack Obama and others, Kern and her supporters said.

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By BARBARA HOBEROCK World Capitol Bureau

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Reader comments for this story have been moved to the most updated version of the story, now under the headline "Video: Morality rally draws protesters," which was published on 7/3/2009. So far, 166 comments have been made.