INTERRACIAL MARRIAGE and adoption are still surprisingly controversial. Human Events mentions an interesting fact in an article pointing out that William Pryor, the Bush judicial nominee accused by Democratic senators of being a racist, is supported by Alabama Democratic legislator Alvin Holmes as one of the bravest non-racists in the state:
In 2000, Holmes sponsored a ballot measure to strip antiquated language from the Alabama constitution that banned interracial marriage. Whites of both parties evaded the issue. "Few politicians have even mentioned the measure," reported The New York Times two days before the election.I am not surprised that the Democrats lie about racism, but the strong opposition to the ballot measure, and the reluctance of politicians to support it, did surprise me.Pryor was an outspoken supporter.
"He was the only white person, public officeholder, in the state of Alabama, who would publicly support it," said Holmes. In a state that is 25% black, the measure passed by only 59% to 41%. (Terence Jeffrey, "Pryor Applies True Vision of Civil Rights," Human Events, June 18, 2003)
See also, "Alabama repeals ban against interracial marriage," Chattanooga Times Free Press (Tennessee), November 8, 2002 p. B2: "The two most vocal supporters for Amendment Two came from opposite sides of the political spectrum -- Democratic state Rep. Alvin Holmes, who is black, and Republican Attorney General Bill Pryor, who is white."
[ http://php.indiana.edu/~erasmuse/w/03.07.06a.htm ]
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