It looks like QUEERTY reported very old news – http://www.gossip-boy.com/IM_GAY.html has what I presume is a more up-to-date description of what happened:

Mr. Kimmel appealed the Tax Commission’s decision, and the matter was heard by Administrative Law Judge Jay Harrington in Oklahoma City on May 7, 2009. After the hearing, Judge Harrington took his time reviewing the case and preparing a thorough opinion which was released on June 18, 2009—just a week before Pride celebrations kick off in Oklahoma City.

The Motor Vehicle Division of the Tax Commission had argued that “The word gay, or especially the phrase I’m gay, is an expression of sexual orientation or preference. It therefore has a sexual content—or connotation to it. The word gay or the phrase I’m gay may not be vulgar or crude or obscene. It doesn’t have to be any of those in order to still be offensive.”

Judge Harrington responds, however, that: “The flaw in the Division’s analysis is that is not what the Rule says. Under the present rule, a [Personalized License Plate] may still have a sexual connotation, but it may not be offensive to the general public under the Kahn test adopted by the Tax Commission…from the undisputed testimony in this case, the Division issues PLPs based upon an individual Encoder’s personal perceptions of the meaning of a word or phrase and/or the personal prejudices of the individual Encoder…”

Judge Harrington stated further, “the Division’s denial of his application for a PLP is incorrect pursuant to the Rule.”

so, of course, i officially changed the name given me to kEith

it’s even ™

but really?

reallY

theartofkEith.com

You’re one of the few posting here who actually can prove he’s standing up for what he believes in. Whether we agree on anything else or not, I just want to say one thing: Thank you!

Heh, this is Detroit, mind you. Whose house isn’t being forclosed on up there. At the most recent tax sale, they had 300+ pages of lots that failed to get even a $500 opening bid. There were literally entire city blocks up for bid. Thats pretty damn bad. I was going to do some investing up there, but after I spent some time driving around and looking, I have to admit most of the stuff up there wasnt even worth a $500 bid.

“One city that really does Gay Pride well? Rio. (Photo via)”

Thats a very pretty, uplifting photo. Oh wait, according to comments in a past thread, South America is not safe for queers. In what is supposedly a hyper-homophobic country, why do they allow a pride celebration.

“Oklahoma Tax Commission sued by a one Keith Kimmel, who wants his license plate to read “IM GAY. The commission refuses, saying it would be offensive, because it’s “sexual.” First Amendment much?”

I haven’t sued them just quite yet. Previous proceedings were before an administrative law judge (who sided with me and said I get the plate!!) before the Commissioners poo poo’d on his recommendation and tossed it aside. Attorney is still researching whether its better to go state or federal. Oklahoma has a long and complex Constitution, its an important decision.

No. 1 · Merv

“What is the life expectancy of an Oklahoma driver with an “IM GAY” license plate?”

Please DONT jinx it. I hope to live a happy, long life.

If Keith does get that license plat, it would be best to put in on an inexpensive vehicle or a tank. I would suggest the tank.