A three-judge panel with the Minnesota Court of Appeals hears, ahem, oral arguments in the latest attempt by Sen. Larry Craig to clear his name. The de-closeted right-wing, anti-gay Idaho Republican who was arrested in a Minneapolis men's room sex sting and is attempting to vacate his guilty plea.
Craig's lawyer claims the de-closeted senator's weird behavior in the public bathroom was not "cruising"—he was just "fidgeting" because he was 'anxious" to use the facilities. Right. The Seattle Times:
The attorney, Billy Martin, told the three-judge panel that Craig's behavior was "as consistent with innocence as it is with guilt."
Martin refuted the conclusions of an undercover police officer conducting a sting of men cruising for gay sex. The officer said Craig peered inside his stall, tapped a foot next to his and swiped a hand beneath the divider - all invitations for a desired sexual encounter.
Craig's fidgety behavior, Martin said, was merely reflective of a man "anxious to go to the bathroom." He attacked the disorderly conduct law, saying it requires "others" to be affected and not just one person.
Craig denies he is a toe-tapping, serial men's room cruiser. Since his well-publicized arrest, five gay men have come forward and described having (messy) sex with or—being propositioned by—the de-closeted right-wing senator. Despite the arrest and the history of men implicating him in compromising situations, Craig has reiterated his opposition gays in the military and co-sponsored the latest version of the Federal Marriage Amendment.
The appeals court has 90 days to issue a ruling, which means it will come before Craig leaves the Senate.
Craig Lawyers Argue to Overturn Plea [Seattle Times]
Larry Craig Returns to Court [Page One Q]
More LARRY CRAIG
More REPUBLICANS
Some Background ...
A Tale of Two Cities [Advocate]
Adulterers Craig and Vitter Co-Sponsor Marriage Amendment [R20]
5 Gay Men Describe Sexual Encounters with Craig [R20]
"Romney Threw Me Under the Bus" [R20]
Senate Republicans Knew About "Closeted" Larry Craig's "Weird Problem" [R20]
Larry Craig Vows to Remain in Office [R20]
Larry Craig Pays a Surprise Visit to Senate [R20]
News: Larry Craig Latest, David Vitter [R20]
Larry Craig Latest: "Not Guilty!" [R20]
Craig Latest: Wasn't Going to Run for Re-Election [R20]
Craig Latest: Maybe I Won't Resign After All [R20]
Craig Resigns Senate Seat [R20]
TOQ Tired Old Queen
Posted by: Bill | 10 September 2008 at 19:30
Rod, I'm new to your blog. This is truly a great body of work for black gay men aned all progressives. Keep up the great work.
Posted by: Yes We Can | 11 September 2008 at 00:44