A Pennsylvania Republican state representative in Pennsylvania blocked a Democratic representative from speaking on the floor of the House, citing “God’s law” (h/t Jason). Rep. Brian Sims, a Democrat and the first openly-gay Pennsylvania state legislator, wanted to speak about the U.S. Supreme Court’s DOMA ruling during a time when “legislators can speak of uncontroversial issues.” It requires the unanimous consent of the other House members, so one legislator can stop anyone from speaking.
A tale of two legislators: Brian Sims on the left; Daryl Metcalfe on the right (see what I did there?)
Someone, or several someone’s, objected to what Sims intended to say. The Republican Speaker of the House, Sam Smith, declined to reveal who objected. In the midst of the hubbub, Republican Rep. Daryl Metcalfe decided to take credit for blocking Sims from speaking, although it is apparently still not clear if he raised the original objection. I’m not too clear on how this procedural rule works, so I don’t know if Metcalfe, or anyone else objecting, needed to give a reason for objecting, but oh boy, did Metcalfe ever give a reason:
“I did not believe that as a member of that body that I should allow someone to make comments such as he was preparing to make that ultimately were just open rebellion against what the word of God has said, what God has said, and just open rebellion against God’s law,” said Metcalfe, R-Butler.
According to Sims, he only intended to comment on “how important the cases were.” That was apparently too much for Metcalfe, whose particular version of a deity forbids him from hearing other people talk about things he finds objectionable. Of course, this was really all about Metcalfe’s freedom, you know?
“For me to allow him to say things that I believe are open rebellion against God are for me to participate in his open rebellion,” Metcalfe told the AP. “There’s no free speech on the floor.”
I think Metcalfe is trying to say that the First Amendment right to free speech does not allow one to say things that contradict Metcalfe’s particular view of religion on the floor of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. This apparently includes not saying whatever he thought Sims was going to say. Presumably this is included somewhere in the First Amendment’s fine print.
Metcalfe risks setting a dangerous precedent. I assume Metcalfe belongs to some aspect of the Christian religion. I don’t know what flavor he practices, but it’s not really relevant to this discussion. I doubt he would want anyone else’s concept of religion held over him. It’s too bad he thinks his specific brand of religion is so privileged.
Sims is now calling for the Pennsylvania Legislature to censure Daryl Metcalfe for his remarks.
Photo credits: Brian Sims photo via pahouse.com; Daryl Metcalf photo via legis.state.pa.us.
