Bill lets those with prostitution charge teach

Statesman Journal ^ | May 12, 2007 | JULIA SILVERMAN

[greedo]

Women who have been convicted on misdemeanor prostitution charges could be eligible for an Oregon teaching license under legislation that passed the state Senate Friday, 20-7.

Sen. Margaret Carter, D-Portland, argued passionately for the measure, invoking the gospel of redemption and forgiveness, and the sins of judgment, in a floor speech that riveted her colleagues and quieted the often-buzzing chamber.

"If a person is able to break free and turn their lives around, we as a society should recognize the strength and bravery required to take those steps," Carter said. "I have truly prayed about this bill and all its implications, and thought about why I know it is the right thing to do."

Carter had pushed similar legislation in the 2005 session, but withdrew the proposal before it made it to the floor, after strong signals that it would not pass in the then-Republican-controlled house, and that even some of her Democratic colleagues were nervous about voting for the bill.

On Friday, she acknowledged that the bill still could be "politically difficult" to explain, and several Democrats, including Sens. Laurie Monnes Anderson of Gresham and Richard Devlin of Tigard, did vote against it.

"There are plenty of places people can find redemption besides our schools," said State Sen. Larry George, R-Sherwood, who was among the "no" votes. "Our number one priority has to be the safety of our children."

[greedo]

she acknowledged that the bill still could be "politically difficult" to explain,

Is there a teacher shortage in Oregon?

Could economic incentives like tax-free salaries and
reduced property taxes for teachers fix it?

Will retired(?) prostitutes be given hiring preference over
retired military?

[mtbopfuyn]

Excuse me, but it takes two to tango. There’s never been a question of male teachers who have frequented such women.

[mkjessup]

Wait ‘til Joe Farah over at World Nut Daily hears about this, he’ll be able to start a whole new section on ‘Sex Crazed Former Prostitutes, Now Teachers, Are After Your Children!’

[Coldwater Creek]

I happen to agree with this Dem. People that actually have turned their lives around should be treated just like any other applicatant.

[Thywillnotmine]

Bingo!

[Chode]

but they can only teach PROSTITUTION!!!

[EagleUSA]

Only in a liberal dung-heap state...what next?? We know the libs have destroyed the economy of Oregon, but the stupid people keep voting them back in...

You cannot make stuff like this up -— well the hookers would have to compete with the real teachers for the kids lunch money ....

[Hydroshock]

Why is the Van Halen song “Hot for Teacher” going through my mind right now? But hey at least the Homecoming dance committee will have more fund rasing options besides the bake sales.

[Obie Wan]

I believe they refer to it as funded sex education !!!

[MIchaelTArchangel]

She may just be recognizing that most teachers are in it for the easy money, just as most hookers are in it for the easy money.

[kjam22]

Excuse me, but it takes two to tango. There’s never been a question of male teachers who have frequented such women.

I'm not sure that's true. If a guy answers the question "have you ever been convicted of a crime" on his job app..... with a "yes". And what were you convicted of? And he answers "Solicitation Prostitution". Well..... I would guess that often he may not get the job offer.

[mtbopfuyn]

But how many customers are convicted compared to the times police have run in the hookers? The vast majority of customers don’t have a record.

[El Gato]

There’s never been a question of male teachers who have frequented such women.

Actually there has. But that was in the Bad Old Days, when teachers were expected to be role models and that expectation was enforced.

[Don Corleone]

legislation that passed the state Senate Friday, 20-7.

Sounds like political prostitutes taking care of their own kind.

[Lee'sGhost]

“Bill lets those with prostitution charge teach”

How did the ex-president get invovled with schools?

[grey_whiskers]

Women who have been convicted on misdemeanor prostitution charges could be eligible for an Oregon teaching license under legislation that passed the state Senate Friday, 20-7.

Color me confused.

What is "misdemeanor" prostitution?

Five bucks to flash your boobs like on a "Girls Gone Wild" video?

Or is it like the Clintonesque, "I tried marijuana a time or two, I didn't inhale" (or, as Jocelyn Elders called it, "Outercourse")?

Cheers!

[JohnLongIsland]

when did the 465 or so members of congress apply for an oregon teachers license?

[Mercat]

can’t their records be expunged?

[napscoordinator]

I guess I don’t see a problem here. Naturally as Christians we are to forgive a sin that could have happened years ago to pay for college or youthful stupidity and they are to be punished for life? I don’t think so. What do they think she is going to do, put a pole in the center of a classroom. Come on this is just a waste of paper and legilative hours. I can see some blast coming my way but I truly feel this way.

[Enterprise]

Prostitution in most states is a “misdemeanor.” That means that if someone is convicted they may serve time in jail rather than a state prison.