To: Bill Harmond who wrote (139415 ) 2/18/2002 10:29:12 PM From: craig crawford Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 164684 Judge who called homosexuality 'evil' under fire Holmes calls for inquiry of Moore montgomeryadvertiser.com By Neil Probst Montgomery Advertiser A civil rights group has called for the resignation of Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore, and a state legislator on Sunday said he also wants Moore removed from office. The controversy started Friday, when Moore concurred with a 9-0 decision by the Alabama Supreme Court to deny custody to a homosexual mother of three teen-age children and grant custody to the father. In the court’s opinion, the chief justice said “common law designates homosexuality as an inherent evil, and if a person openly engages in such a practice, that fact alone would render him or her an unfit parent.” State Rep. Alvin Holmes, D-Montgomery, adamantly disagreed Sunday, accusing Moore of violating three parts of Provision 2 of the Alabama Canon of Judicial Ethics. “He has no business being chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court,” said Holmes, who held a news conference to announce his decision to request an investigation of Moore from the Alabama Judicial Inquiry Commission. “He should be removed from office following the inquiry commission’s finding,” said Holmes, who expressed confidence that if the commission reviewed his case according to state law, it would ask Moore to resign. The provisions of the canons include instructions for a judge “to conduct himself at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary,” to “avoid conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice which brings the judicial office into disrepute,” and to “not allow his family, social, or other relationships to influence his judicial conduct or judgment.” In addition to Holmes’ action, Equality Begins at Home of Central Alabama is calling for Moore to resign, saying the judge cannot be relied upon to fairly preside over cases involving homosexuals and lesbians. The group is concerned that the judge’s view could incite more violence against gays by individuals who oppose the behavior.