Bill Blotter: Prostitutes Cannot Teach in Oregon

June 6, 2005 — -- In this week's Bill Blotter, Oregon students will not have prostitutes for teachers; the governor of Texas is accused of fudging the line between church and state; and New York women can expect shorter lines for the restroom.

Teaching Is a No-Go for Prostitutes in Oregon

It is still illegal for prostitutes, former or current, to teach in Oregon after a bill to change that policy died in the state Senate.

Under Oregon law, the commission that issues teaching licenses must turn down applicants who were convicted of prostitution at any time in their life, regardless of any special circumstances.

The bill would have allowed school districts to hire a former prostitute if more than seven years had passed since their conviction and they had not since been convicted of any other crime. It would have allowed the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission to evaluate each circumstance on a case-by-case basis.

The bill's sponsor, Sen. Margaret Carter, D-Portland, says she will resubmit the bill in 2007.

Texas Gov.'s Bill Signing Plans Concern Some

Texas Gov. Rick Perry is raising some eyebrows with his plan to sign anti-abortion legislation and a resolution banning gay marriage at Forth Worth's Calvary Christian Academy this Sunday.

Inside the parochial school's gymnasium, the governor will sign a bill requiring parental consent for girls requesting an abortion and a resolution calling for a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.

While his signature on the resolution is merely ceremonial since the measure must be approved by voters to become a law, critics are questioning the political motives.

"I think it's wrong," said Kathy Miller, president of the Texas Freedom Network, which describes itself as a mainstream voice to counter the religious right.

"As I recall, Jesus threw the money changers out of the temple,and I wonder how long it will be before people of faith get fed upwith opportunistic political campaigning in their houses ofworship," she said.

Perry is defending the venue.

"The two issues talk about values," he said. "A church is anappropriate place to come together and celebrate a victory for thevalues of the people of Texas."

Perry's supporters say the bill-signing is a celebration for conservative Republicans.

The Calvary Cathedral International is right next door, and the cathedral's pastor, Bob Nichols a conservative activist -- is expected to attend the signing.

'Potty Parity' Takes Manhattan

Women in New York City, visitors and residents alike, can rejoice that the City Council has heard their prayers.

Under the new Women's Restroom Equality Bill, which won unanimous support from the legislature, new and renovated buildings in the city will be required to have twice as many ladies' rooms as restrooms for men.

With the noble goal of easing the long lines for women waiting to relieve themselves, the legislation applies to arenas, stadiums, auditoriums, meeting halls, theaters and public dancing halls.

Unfortunately for many, schools, restaurants, hospitals and municipal buildings are exempt.

The new bill revises a 1984 law that required just one women's bathroom for every men's bathroom.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.