Craig a lawbreaker?  | Poll Results | Advocate.com

||   Craig a lawbreaker?   ||
Results for the following question: Do you think Sen. Larry Craig is guilty of committing a crime?

Yes
 46%

No
 44.5%

Undecided
 9.5%

Total Votes: 1058

Comments:
These comments are reproduced as written by visitors to this Web site. They have not been edited for content, grammar, or spelling. The viewpoints appearing here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of advocate.com, The Advocate, or its affiliates.

jay
Undecided. As a former resident of Idaho, I can say that the way he has influenced politics in the state against LGBT people is disgusting, and now we know it is pure hypocrisy. Sex shouldn't be a crime, though picking an airport bathroom is a little tacky - seems fair to call it lewd conduct, and at the very least it's a crime of poor taste. If calling it a crime knocks him off the political map, let's fry him.

Micahel Condon
Stupidity is not a crime. (yet)

JK
He's a voyeur and got caught in the act. He is guilty.

Anonymous
If lying is a crime, yes, then he is guilty. But tapping your foot in a bathroom stall should not be considered a crime. Public sex, yes. Foot tapping, no.

Anonymous
Unfortunately hypocricy isn't a crime...but for republicans it should be.

chrisman108
I say no because I think that there is not enough evidence to make this assertion. I also do not believe in stings such as this one.

Anonymous
I consider hypocrisy or that caliber a crime. I hope he rots.

Forrest
He didn't show any genitalia! So what was wrong?

Anonymous
Seems pretty clear he broke the law. The issue is "why is there such a law." There shouldn't be.

Anonymous
is it a crime to be a hyprocrite?

Richard Mosher
No I don't believe Larry Graig committed a crime, but I do believe that he should be held at a higher standard if he is going to be the person along with other vetoing on what laws should affect us all. Someone should tell him the closet is an awful place to live and if that is where he chooses to live don't force the rest of us to do the same.

Anonymous
he is guilty..if that is the word...of a sad hidden life like so many many men in America...well...and maybe just plan very bad judgement. Senator=T room sex?? just does not add up on any level...if he had been caught on his knees that is another story ..but trying to connect in public is not a crime ...how bout playing footies in a bar? Is that a crime!

Anonymous
Seems to me that until either party touches the other, or exposes himself to the other, that any "crime" hasn't taken place.

Anonymous
But he is quilty of hypocracy

Anonymous
soliciting publicly for sex shouldonly be a crime only if minors are involved.

Chris
What wrong with hooking up with a guy for sex in a restroom? It's fun, hot, risky and dangerous. These are the elements that some gay people thrive on. That's their business. Some straights and bi's look at sexual encounters the same way. As long as the people are consenting and of legal age, who cares? If having your "stall-mate" tapping his foot bothers you, then don't tap back. They'll get the picture. There's nothing wrong with this type of sex. These pissy gays that think a wedding ring makes the world a paradise should think twice. It's OK for some. Not for us all. What happened to tolerance and celebraion of diversity?

Anonymous
Sanctimonious hypocrite he is...

Lonny D. LeFever
Why not, if it was anyone else this wouldn't even be mentioned. Plus, let the Fag hater die and save us all.... from the rest of the right wing fools. Beside lets get real, if you don't want to be put in the Headlines, then keep your head and hands out from under the stall next to you. Ohio

Anonymous
walk a mile in his shoes and decide. maybe. hypocracy isnt a crime . maybe it should be. homo people are not supported living out like hetero people. yes, no one forced him to be a senator but maybe he would have come to terms with it over time and stoped that hidden sex.

Anonymous
He just wanted some cock, Men are animals, but I like being a man and probibly would never want sex in a public restroom in an airport. But to each their own... We are all diffrent.

Anonymous
yes, oh yes.

RR from Toronto
Having bathroom sex in a public facility may not be a good idea in the event you intrude on the personal space of those who do not engage in such activity. But if people are discreet and make sure they do not do anything where they can be seen by unsuspecting people, then I can't imagine why you would make that a crime. To make matters worse, the police officer clearly made no effort to spurn Craig's advances. It may not be entrapment, but it's getting close. to make a regular bathroom visit

Michael Jarboe
Ok...has anyone actually tride it? I was in the airport flyng from Germany to Miami this week and used the restroom. My jeans are, if not baggy, at least roomy and comfortable. Sitting on the toilet I tried my hardest (with pants around my knees and ankles) to get my feet under the partition in a normal stance, however wide. Not even close. There is not a pair of pants in the world wide enough to let you sit and have your feet go much further than shoulder width....(and I'm 6'2") let alone all the way under the partition to touch the foot next to you of someone in the same position! Sorry Larry. (Even to help out poor hypocritical republicans I couldn't bring myself to pick up toilet paper off the floor).

Rick
Yes. He broke the law for soliciting sex in a public men's room. Men's room stalls are NOT for sex. There are plenty of ways to meet gay men for sexual encounters. A public restroom IS NOT one of them. Anyone using a public restroom for sex should be arrested.

Anonymous
He was obviously there for sex and would have committed a crime if allowed to go further. However the crime should be negated by obvious police entrapment

Richard Whittington
He is guilty of bad judgement.

magnus from iceland
What the SEN. did should not be considered a crime. Public sex should be our right.

Anonymous
He's guilty of being a Republican.

Anonymous
It seems crazy that in '2007 a man can be arrested for "touching another mans foot in a bathroom stall". Had he exsposed himself in a public restroom I'd say...throw him behind bars!! That is so stereotypically disgusting I believe it speaks for itself. However, a "sting" operation with vice officers playing footsie in an airport bathroom is so pathetic!! Maybe the cops at the airport should be looking for terrorists not sitting in bathroom stalls touching mens feet. IF that restroom truley does have problems the airport police should stand inside the restroom and intimidate any pervs that might think that a public restroom is a romantic place to hang out! What is wrong with men? Grow up and stop acting like a bunch of freaks and the cops won't waste OUR TAX DOLLARS on such "sting" opperations. The Senator is guilty of being an idiot.

Joanna
If it's against the law to tap your feet while sitting in a public restroom stall, they need to stop piping in fun music one would sing and dance to. The only crime is the shame surrounding the entire ordeal.

Jeff
Having or trying to have sex in a bathroom is a crime. It's that type of behavior that gives us a bad name. Gay or Straight, have some decency.

Anonymous
Public sex (gay or straight) is against the law. So is soliciting for it and thats exactly what Senator Craig did. It's about time the GLBT community stop glorifying the glory holes, truck stop sex, and blow jobs in the park. Why do you think straight America thinks badly of us? It freightens them! For cripes sake, take you trick home or a hotel and quit making it difficult for those of us that don't patronize rest rooms for sex.

Anonymous
It's so sad that he has to seek sexual encounters in a public bathroom. It would be so much better if he could be honest with himself in what he wants and act upon that in a loving, mutual relationship.

RPC
Public solicitation for sex is a crime. As a gay man, I have run across people who've done exactly what Sen. Craig did. I personally don't think it's that big of a deal. Just some horny dude being a little playful. But the person on the receiving end, may not be so indulging. The gestures and actions that Sen. Craig made were, in my opinion, public solicitation for sex. So yes, I think he committed a crime.

Judy H.
There is nothing illegal about what Larry Craig did. To call it so is homophobic. The irony is, of course, that Craig is virtually the epitome of homophobia.

Matt
His privacy was invaded in that bathroom stall. Craig is a hypocrite, but not a criminal. I'm glad the ACLU is supporting him. It's time right-wingers realize that the ACLU defends all Americans against the erosion of the Bill of Rights, not just liberals.

Anonymous
There was no crime committed, had he actually engaged in a sexual act then a crime would have ben comitted.

Anonymous
If he had gone to court he would have been found not guilty as no criminal had occurred up to that point. I think it would be difficult to prove even solicitation

Anonymous
He's a philanderer! Typical Red-tie Republican morals.

Anonymous
he plead guilty..is there any doubt

Mario
I don't think what he did ought to be a crime, but it's a fitting punishment for someone who would have voted to make or keep it a crime, given his homophobic voting record.

Anonymous
However, if hypocrisy were a crime ...

Joe Laux
Technically, yes, as he was guilty of 'lewd conduct' as defined by Minnesota law. More important, though, are the reasons why he chose to behave in that manner. Our society has made it necessary for GLBT people to do everything needed to hide who they are. So called 'men of God' preach hatred and bigotry from the pulpits of places of worship, and this Predident, even with the blood of thousands of young American men and women staining his hands, advocates inserting bigotry into the U.S. Constitution, and thousands of ignorant bigots throughout the land cheer him on! No wnder Craig did what he did.

Anonymous
Of Course Sen Larry Craig is guilty of committing a crime. After all, he's a stinkin' Republican. Need I say more?

Xero
No, but his over reaction to the incident certainly makes him look like a closet case. To quote Rita Mae Brown, "He's so far in the closet, he's in danger of becoming a garment bag."

Gregory Beck
If the crime is hypocrisy and/or stupidity, then yes, Sen. Craig is guilty.

Anonymous
Not a law breaker, but a liar

Anonymous
I think any law that entraps people using law officers as bait is wrong unless the target is a minor.

Anonymous
Not sure, from what has been published I would say he was caught in a sting with his pants down. I guess intent would be the deciding factor. He acting as if he is hiding something.

Jon -- Canada
Not so much a crime as poor judgment brought on by being a closeted, conflicted gay man who can't accept who he is. We see it all the time, gay men, convinced they are straight (thanks to religion or societal pressures) trying to find desperate ways of fullfilling their "needs" illicitly. Quite unfortunate given that this kind of thing only re-enforces the myth of the gay predator.

Anonymous
No. He made no contact with the police officer other than touching his shoe. Bathroom stalls should be designed to go all the way to the floor on all sides. A small sliding door that can be opened or closed for those interested in a little action should be installed in the middle of the stalls. If you want some play open the window and hope the other person does too. If they do not, they are not interested. Leave them alone. Otherwise enjoy.

Anonymous
When a man makes a pass at a woman, the worst that can happen is that he gets slapped in the face. When a man makes a pass at another man, he can be arrested. Worse, when a male police officer makes a pass at another man, the other man is the one who gets arrested. These absurd laws will eventually be struck down on grounds of "equal protection". The government is required to be fair, even when the officers of that government do not want to be fair.

Anonymous
Although, I don't approve of Craig's hypocritical behavior, I do not think he committed a crime.

Anonymous
Tapping your feet is not a crime

Anonymous
Cruising a crime?

Anonymous
Technically, he did nothing illegal. The 'crime' would be his career-long support of anti-gay issues and hypocrocy.

Anonymous
Sex in a public place is, and should be, a crime, but I think we can all agree that the police have better things to do than stake out men's rooms for hours. The bigger crime, of course, is Craig's shameful pandering to the so-called 'christian right' by repeatedly trying to do harm to the gay community, of which he aparently is a (deeply ashamed) part.

Anonymous
I think that the "facts" of the case are to still muddied and that it seems to be a he said/he said situation. I think that the bigger issues here are that a) Craig appears to be a major hypocrite and b) he over stepped the bounds of professionalism when he allegedly offerec the office his card in an attempt to avoid prosecution or arrest. Those actions should lead to the resignation of any public official.

Greg
why would you admit you were guilty and then say , oh never mind.?

Adam A Karu
Yes he is guilty!! another bloody Ripublican & Christian.

Ken Sholes
Yes, bathroom sex is a crime. There is no privacy rights in a bathroom stall. That said, I'd like to see him stay in Congress (until the voters of Idaho throw him out) to see what he would do when glbt legislation comes up in the future. Especially, the bill to overturn "don't ask, don't tell" as his reasons for keeping his job as a senator sound just like the reasons that glbt servicemembers give when they argue that orientation and/or what we do in private have no affect on how we do our jobs. His defenders and Craig say that his private life shouldn't affect his ability to function as a senator. Of course, what he did wasn't very private. I doubt he'd have much sympathy if a soldier returning from Iraq had done the same thing and was subsequently fired form the Army under DA-DT. His bigger crime though is against humanity for his hypocrisy of opposing glbt legislation while secretly having sex in bathroom stalls. He thought he'd get away with it in Minneapolis but word got out. I live in the St. Paul Minnesota and I'll have to check out this stall (it has become a lcoal tourist attraction) the next time I fly. Maybe some day the state of Minnesota will erect (how appropriate) a historical marker just outside this john!

Anonymous
Police need to be on the streets not entraping men in restrooms.

Anonymous
If someone sticks a police badge under the bathroom stall wall at you, you don't say "NOOO!!!!" unless you're guilty...but what do you expect from a hypocritical jerk like Craig?

Susan Meiers
Larry Craig is merely guilty of not being true to himself, being closeted, and in denial. How sad for him, esp. as it leads to this kind of self-destructive behavior. We need to work to change the social climate to not view being les/bi/gay/trans as an illness/sickness. One way we can cause this change is to com eout an dbe proud of who we are.

Anonymous
...the crime of hate and cowardice

Jay
the crime is anyone having to resort to this to meet someone IF he even did...and the second crime is the glee the Left feels. Cutting of the nose to spite the face - it's stupid and sad.

Anonymous
Even though everybody knows what he was doing and the purpose behind it, technically no. Tapping one's foot in a bathroom stall isn't illegial.

SPOT
Sex in public areas is illegal for a reason, soliciting sex in public areas is also illegal for a reason. It wasn't like he was flirting. He was actually peeking into someone's bathroom stall, and doing what would amount to harassment by sticking his hands under there and touching their foot with his.

John
If the arresting officer's report is accurate, Craig was soliciting sex in a public place. Sexual activity in public places is, and ought to be, illegal -- whether it's gay sex or straight sex. The right of consenting adults to do what comes naturally, in private, does not trump the rights of unwilling witnesses. So, what Craig *is accused of doing* is a crime. If I remember my high school civics correctly, in the good ol' USA a person's guilt is determined by a trial -- or a guilty plea. He admitted to being guilty of disorderly conduct, so he's at least guilty of that.

Paul
He's not gay, he's a DL homosexual - big difference. He's one of those guys in the steam room at the gym with the wedding ring looking to get off and get back to the wife, while the gay guys are living authentic, emotionally healthy lives in integrity. He's not a criminal, but he is pathetic.

Marcel
I see two components: ETHICS Ethically speaking, I see no problem in soliciting sex in a public washroom. If it's done discreetly? Where's the problem? It's part of life. The REAL issue here is his anti-gay stance and him apparently soliciting gay sex. That's where the whole thing starts. LEGAL If there's a law against it, then he probably broke it. The question remains: Why is soliciting sex a crime? What struck me first here is: Why does a MN policeman wait on potential sex solicitors in a public bathroom at Minneapolis airport? Surely, the MN police must have other priorities. Having said that, I'd love that job myself. Imagine the options!!! Marcel in Costa Rica

Anonymous
Yes, he clearly intended to soliciate sex in a public place and this is a crime. He's also guilty of being one of the most indecisive politians on the planet -- and that ain't easy. He can't decide if he's gay or not; he can't decide if he's guilty or not; he can't decide if he wants to resign or not. He's got a great chance of getting out of this for reasons of diminshed capacity -- this guy's crazy.

joseph chiffano
In his own interview, Sen. Craig outlined his behavior, which, even under the most 'innocent of times' smacks of depraved intentions. Can you say George Michaels?

Arthur Namore
I think the arrest of Senator Craig was a setup perpetrated by the Bush administration in retaliatlion for Craig's failure to support Bush's police state machinations.

Arthur Namore
I think the arrest of Senator Craig was a setup perpetrated by the Bush administration in retaliatlion for Craig's failure to support Bush's police state machinations.

Anonymous
I verges on entrapment and if it is a crime (i.e. against the law) then it is a victimless crime and the law should be stricken.

Anonymous
All signs point to it. It is not a heinous crime, but a crime nonetheless.

Anonymous
wanting, asking for, or talking about sex is not against the law. cruising for sex, hetero or otherwise in public spaces is done billions of times per day all over the planet. Just because this 'flirting' occured in a public men's room is irrelevant. sex in public places is unlawful. asking for sex in public places is NOT.

Larry
Not as to what he did in the men's room anyway

John H. Neu
Since he plead guilty to the offense, yes he definitely is guilty of the crime to which he plead guilty. I don't accept the idea that a Senator of his presumed stature and length of service doesn't know what he is doing or that he was coerced into a plea. He surely knows that he could consult with an attorney before accepting such a plea. If your question is: "SHOULD his actions be criminalized and should taxpayers' moneys be spent in prosecuting such an offense?", off hand I would say no. But there is something to be said for parents who want to protect their children from predators in public washrooms. Trolling for sex in public washrooms doesn't have strong appeal to me and seems to have relatively low social value. But I don't think spending scarce law enforcement dollars on it makes much sense overall.

titus
if he changes his plea to not guilty, will he be tried again? would he support others in the same position as his? should his crime be a crime? was it necessary to spend the resources on the crackdown, which is to say was the tearoom a little too active.

W. Andrew Stricklin
Yep! He fits the bill for an older, closeted gay man and he liked what he saw!

eric
When Sen. Craig peeked into the adjacent and occupied lavatory stall, he intentionally invaded the privacy of that occupant.

Anonymous
How do the authorities know that he was not merely "tap dancing"?

Henry
As one person found guilty of the same offense, when I was entrapped, I feel this senator should suffer the same fate. It is about time the ones passing the laws know how they are enforced and sometimes abused. As I was told, justice is not always fair!

Anonymous
and he is a hipacrit

CORRIE GILLIKIN
HE IS A CLOSETED HOMOSEXUAL, WHO WAS EXPOSED AS A HYPOCRITE, BECAUSE HE MADE THE BAD MISTAKE OF PUTTING THE MAKE ON A UNDERCOVER POLICE OFFICER!!!--HIS MARRIAGE IS A SHAM, & I'M GLAD HE IS GONE!!!

Anonymous
Maybe he did and maybe he didn't. We all know that Politicians "spin" the truth. And we know that sometime police officers get over zealous. Both things happen "way more" than they should.

Anonymous
Since neither sex nor clear solitiation occurred, I do not believe his actions were illegal. Pathetic and inappropiate, yes. Illegal, no.

Anonymous
but i do think he solicited the cop.

joe
No I don't think he committed a crime, but I do think he's a very troubled man. Any body that votes so that people do not have equal rights are sick puppies.

Anonymous
Soliciting is a crime, as is public lewdness. He should just resign and continue embarrassing the wife outside the annals of the Government job.

Anonymous
Craig is guilty of being a Republican. It is his own party, so concerned about correct religious-right "values" (which I don't share!) and about their voting "base," that rushed to push him out of the Senate.

Anonymous
It's not like they'd be lenient on an out gay person caught in this situation. Yeah. He committed a crime, he got caught and he should suffer the consequences the same as everyone else!

Anonymous
Technically it appears to be a crime. That said, I heard he received more charges than others in the same type of case. Also, while I love T-room sex, we really don't have the right to essentially rape a straight man with our desire for him ...

Anonymous
While the police's action may have been questionable, he pleaded guilty. Soliciting sex in a bathroom shows questionable judgment. Pleading guilty confirms his wrong-doing.

Dave Bart
In the bathroom, technically yes, realistically, no. On the floor of the Senate, he committed many crimes against the GLBT community. sadly, he'll probably get away with those.

Anonymous
Hell, if he didn't philander why did he plead guilty?

Jake
Well honestly, no I do not think he committed a, quote-un-quote, 'crime.' All he did at most was some very intense flirting with a member of the same sex, so for us to say thats a crime would be a bit hypocritical. However, since he portrays himself as a strict right-winger set to 'protect the family' well denying the LGBT, he should be forced from office because of his blatant hypocrisy.

Anonymous
I honnestly don't care if he is guilty of a crime or not. I am happy in the fact that he is living in a personal hell that he supported/forced onto other gays for years. Hypocrits beware!

Paul Emory Whitner "CRT"
Yes! Men like Craig, make it very hard for men whom are open and honest about their attractions to other men, to meet a "Real Man". His acts and denial make it praticaly impossilbe for more men to open up! Can we get away from the negative stigmas put on us because of these types of situations that happen and it's not those of us whom are openly gay, but the "Closeted Married Men" whom have and contiue to portray the image that society sets! A suggested reading for understanding Sexuality: A Lily Among The Thorns, by Miguel A. De La Torre. I AM, Mentor Sentor

Anonymous
Yes, public sex is illegal.

Anonymous
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Anonymous
Yes, he violated a law, but doesn't this law seem somewhat antiquated anyway? If anything, Craig is guilty of tackiness - cruising in public restrooms is sooo 20th Century.

Anonymous
Did he do something inappropriate? Possibly. Was it criminal? Not from what I've read, but that doesn't mean that I'm not getting the whole story. Do I think he was cruising for bathroom sex? Probably.

john
Larry Craig is a liar and a hypocrite, but I do not think he is guilty of a crime. However, he did plead guilty, so the idea of withdrawing his guilty plea is nonsense. I don't think the police ought to be spying in public restrooms for men tapping their feet - if two men (or a heterosexual couple, for that matter) are caught engaging in sex acts in public, then that would probably constitute a crime, or at the very least a nuisance. The problem with Larry Craig is that he wants to withdraw his guilty plea not because he thinks the cops entrapped him, but because he is equating pleading guilty with an admittance of being gay or attempting to engage in homosexual behavior. I'm fine with him resigning from the Senate - not because he is a "criminal," but because of the aforementioned hypocritical lying.

Paul
His behaviour in the restroom, while obnoxious, should not be considered a crime. His anti-gay behaviour over the years as a legislator, despite apparently bveing gay himself....now that is a crime!

Anonymous
No, it's total entrapment. But it's tough to feel too bad about, with him being such a hippocrat.

DONNA, ORLANDO, FL
HELL YEAH, IF GEORGE MICHAELS PAY FOR HIS CRIME FOR LEWD ACT IN THE RESTROOM OR ANY OTHER PUBLIC PLACE OR EVEN DOING ANY KIND OF SEX ACT IN PUBLIC INSTEAD OF A HOTEL ROOM. SEN CRAIG IS GUILTY ALL THE WAY. HE MUST PAY FOR IT JUST LIKE ANY OTHER HUMAN BEING ON THIS EARTH NO MATTER WHETHER YOU'RE RICH OR POOR. OR EVEN A REPUBLICAN OR A DEMOCRATE.

Anonymous
my straight friends and gay friends who have sex in public places know they are breaking the law. prosecute!

Vic A.
Hypocritical SOBs like Larry Craig are the most despicable forms of life on this earth. It gives me untold joy and pleasure to see these low lives get their "just reward" for benefitting by hurting other people's lives. It's like divine justice to its max. Not only has he been disgraced in front of the whole country, and has to shamefully resign, but his most "guarded secret" has become an open book to everyone including his own family (You'd have to be EXTREMELY STUPID and NAIVE to believe his "I'm not gay speech"...Yeah, right - roll's eyes). This loathsome creature bashed gay people every opportunity he could get, and did everything in his power to hurt us by opposing every single anti-dicrimination measure that came up, and tried his best to get the constitution amended to discriminate against gays, all while secretly enjoying gay pleasures for himself. Such people are the scum of the earth's core and when this low-life get's unceremoniously booted out it will be a day of great celebration for me. Under normal circumstances, I would be quick to say that the Police could do better than to waste their time on such useless persuits, when they could be saving people's lives on the street, but in this particular case, I am tickled to death that this happened to this republican gay-bashing loser!!!!.

Anonymous
yes, but I am sure it was entrapment.

michael jarboe
Morally or literally? I suppose that since he was arrested, there must be some law that was broken, however outdated and pathetic it might be. So literally I suppose he did. (What a waste of tax payers money and the police force). Morally, the crime he committed was not in the bathroom but in the numerous times he voted to create or uphold laws punishing people for doing things he himself is guilty of or living the life he so obviously wishes he could...but ironically cannot because of the laws and social stigmas he himself has worked so hard to creat. There is the crime.

Anonymous
Another gay basher has the closet door ripped off its hinges, while another vice cop is congratulated for "fighting crime". Despite his history of gay bashing, Craig is the real victim here and has neatly destroyed his political career. The naivety of Craig is particularly remarkable--did he really believe he could keep this quiet and that it would actually go away?

capecodman
Craig is a victim of his own closeted feelings. Too bad they came back to bite his ass off, just goes to prove many Republicans are liars and hypocrites when it comes to appeasing so called religious people. When are they gonna wake up, sex is sex, get over it.

Anonymous
not at all but this is the gay who voted against gay rights and gay marriage

Rev. Ray T.
First, I do not think that soliciting sex behind the closed doors of a stall in a men's room is a crime. Not the best way of doing it, but not a crime. I must admit I come from the time Larry did when the only outlets we had were bars and men's rooms. As for Larry Craig, he is a sad man in denial about his sexual identity. To quote an old song, "He is more to be pittied than censored. More to be helped than despised. For he is only a (girl)man who has ventured down life's stormy path ill-advised."

james wall
unless he exposed himself no, and I do not believe he was accused of exposing himself. Trying to communicate with someone via taping a foot is not a crime even if we all know what was going on. What is a crime is trying to hide it by pleading guilty and then rescinding the plea when his attempt at keeping it quiet blew up in his face. He signed a legal document stating he was guilty. If that was a lie as his appeal of the conviction implies, then he should be prosecuted for lying to a Judge. Therefore he is guilty of a crime, just not was he pled guilty to.

John L. Turner, MD
Yes, he admitted to a crime, then rescinded. That is the crime. There may be myriad other 'event's in the Senator's past that are crimes, as well, but that has no bearing on the current situation. I grew up in Idaho, during the days of the "Boys of Boise" in the 1950s. For the most part, the State is not nearly as 'Conservative' as usually presented in the press. Remember, Democrat Frank Church was elected to the Senate from the first time he ran. He died in office. Idahoans have never been especially fond of Craig -- he just wouldn't go away, and incumbuants typically win. More's the pity for his wife, her children, their grandchildren and those friendly with them. John L. Turner, MD Deptford, New Jersey (the rest of my biological family are still 'out west')

EW
Perhaps he didn't technically commit a crime, but if anything, he is guilty of hypocrisy and dishonesty. I can,t say that I have much sympathy for him.

Anonymous
As much as I'd like a right-winger like him to go down in flames, it certainly seems like he didn't do anything illegal.

Tom
He has a long political career. He understands the definition of the word guilty. I am also comfortable in believing that he is aware of the potential ramifications of giving a guilty plea. He now faces a situation that he must fight for the sake of his family and the others that have been hurt by his indiscretion. I don't care if he's gay living on the DL, or straight & just was looking for something different. It is what it is. Public solicitation in a bathroom is in poor taste, and yes ... it is against the law.

Michael Wills
People proposition each other for sex all the time, and it's not illegal. Public sex is illegal—and whether or not you agree with that—it didn't occur in this case. It's ridiculous to pay for undercover cops to protect the sensibilities of homophobic men who are afraid someone might tap a toe at them.

Anonymous
Straight men pay for sex all the time, Craig was the target of legalized gay bashing!

Anonymous
No, but his behavior is hypocritical to his anti-gay voting record and deserves to pay the price he paid.

Anthony - Chicago
Be a real man and come out of the closet already! I was a married man with children and refused to live my life looking for sex in public bathrooms and forest preserves. I went through the Hell of turning my life upside down but at least I was honest with myself and my family. I have NO sympathy for men like him!

Anonymous
The crime of hypocrisy, which has to be the most damaging to gays and lesbians affected by it.

thomas
If rank hypocrisy and unappetising attempts to hold onto his power and priviliges are a crime, then yes. Otherwise...

Anonymous
No, if what I've read is accurate, he was definitely out looking for sex, that part cannot be disputed, but did he actually break the law NO. If he had exposed himself, then they would have grounds for arrest. But man, hasn't it been loads of fun watching this guy disintegrate before our very eyes. Love when the hypocrites get what's coming to them. So entertaining.

Anonymous
he's a closeted fag. coward!

George
There feet touched in neighboring stalls in the restroom. What ever happened to oh, excuse me? So even if Craigs intentions were to hit on a guy (even in the restroom) so what was there any genital touching? Did Craig grab is ass? No, so where is the crime? The cop got hit on by a supposed gay dude and arrested the gay dude. I'm sure thoughout the cops life he's been hit on by a woman or 2, did he arrest them? This is stupid and a waste of taxpayers money. on the tape the cop was so intent to arrest someone that if a cat brushed up against his leg that cat would have had it's rights read to it. Drop it already and go do something important and meaningful.

Bob
He was in effect 'soliciting sex'...but he did not have it. NOT A SMART COOKIE!

Keith Andrews
It's a crime but it shouldn't be. It's disgusting and I can't imagine trolling for love in the shithouse but it is victimless.

Montgomery Maxton
Although I think he did it, I don't think it should be a crime to interact in such a personal way with a complete stranger, especially if one is still full clothed and not performing sexual acts.

Anonymous
yes he did. why he quickly admitted qulity if he knew what he did and didn't want anyone to know to try to quieten it down. if he knows he is not qulity he would fight it off at the time.

Bruce in Tucson
He's right - he isn't gay. Gay people have integrity and live their lives the way god intended, instead of lying to himself, his wife and his electorate. What a jackass! He certainly doesn't play for MY team!

Doug
I believe he did what he was accused of, but I don't believe tapping your foot, making eye contact or running your hand along the bottom of a stall partition in itself amounts to lewd conduct, without also exposing oneself, engaging in inappropriate touching, or making some kind of verbal request to engage in sex in a public place. Ironically, Mr. Craig was ensnared by the same anti-gay climate he helped create.

Anonymous
yes, he's guilty of trying to impersonate a human being. A rather pathetic attempt at that.

Claudio
Is it illegal to move one's feet ? If so, the arresting officer also broke the law.

Larry
No, not unless stupidity has been criminalized of late.

Jo
Yes, sorry guys. Nothing against sex (and lots of it) but it's creepy to have it thrust upon you in public places where you don't want or expect it, like parks, alleys and public bathrooms. We queer folk don't desperately need to hide anymore, so the excuses are wearing thin.

Anonymous
I live in Boise, and I must say, he really is as dumb as he looks! It is odd that though all his years in the Senate, nothing rattles his cage. Say the word "gay"at the man and he falls apart. Does not take much to figure this one out.

Anonymous
When people commit acts or engage in behaviors that many within the mainstream find abhorrent (I agree) it makes it difficult to convince our fellow Americans that they should accept gays. It is a fact, whether we like it or not, that when something happens it reflects on all of us.

Anonymous
It's illegal to have sex in public, which is what he tried to do. He should have called an escort service like most politicians do.

Boss
... assuming you overlook the entrapment!

Tom Brown
If Larry Craig is guilty of anything he is guilty of the crime of hypocrisy.

Houston
He may be a creep for his voting, but he did not commit a crime. The cop jumped the gun.

Anonymous
The crime is being a hypochrite.

dennis
Since when is tapping your foot in a bathroom stall a crime? So, if he did make a pass to the cop, big deal. If every straight guy that made a pass at a girl in a bar, airport, restaurant, supermarker, on the street, etc. was arrested, the jails would be packed. Even if he had asked the undercover cop back to his hotel room, so what! That's not a crime. You even have to ask an undercover cop who's posing as a hooker for some sort of payment to be arrested. Other than that, you can ask her back to your place without feer. It's freedom of speech, baby!

Anonymous
I think he is guilty and so does he. He even chose to plead guilty regarding this issue. He only wants to change his plea now because people found out about his case and he thinks it'll help stop the rumors that constantly circle his sexuality.

Jim
Solicitation involves offering money, goods or favors in exchange for a sexual acts. In other words, attempting to pick up a prostitute or hustler by offering money, drugs, food, whatever. Craig tapped his foot, waived a few fingers under a stall divider. Repugnant, yes. Signaling for sex, most certainly. But this is not a crime. If this is a crime, why don't we start arresting straight guys with bad pick-up lines in bars, "hey sexy, what's your sign?" The goal is the same - sex. However the cop was seeking such actions for the purpose of making arrests. Most anyone other than a cop, not looking for sex, would have ignored Craigs jestures and moved on. Had Craig made physical contact it could be considered assault, but that didn't happen either. This scenario is entrapment and the cop sprung the trap too soon - no crime had yet been commited.

Traci E. - NYC
While I absolutely disagree with the man's politics, he is a victim, ironically, of homophobic practices. Ah, that karma. The man made gestures; gestures open to interpretation, if you ask me. Now, had he tapped his foot while singing "I Want Your Sex"... Arresting him is like fining someone for making smoking gestures in a non-smoking area. Until they pull out a cigarette and actually smoke, they've done nothing wrong. And folks, why can't we just say "No, not interested" and move on? As a lesbian, if I went ballistic and had arrested every man who has ever made (subjective) sexual gestures at me, why I'd barely have time for my cats!

Drew
Until hypocrisy is a crime, Craig will be innocent

Hal.
Hell, yes.

Steve
I would rather call it entrapment.

Anonymous
Quickies in the men's room are illegel ... and in poor taste (entendre intended).

eugene s.
Even though I despise hypocrisy, this may be a good thing for gay people regarding our marriage rights. Larry Craig, one who has made it his business to make sure we are oppressed, describing how he “spreaaad” his legs, priceless! After hearing and reading Larry Craig’s recorded session with the Minneapolis airport police, the public gets a reality check on who the real freaks are. It makes committed gay couples look better to the voters, than straight guys breaking the law because they can’t handle who they really are. He really needs to retire anyway; anybody who walks into a police interview, and doesn’t bring a lawyer and trolls in men’s rooms, is not making common sense decisions.

Anonymous
He didn't get the chance to commit the crime he was working on. If he could be open with himself and the world he wouldn't have to troll the bathrooms for sex.

Anonymous
He is guilty of solicitation. So much for "family values".

Anonymous
IN one sense,Craig got what he deserved. He and his GOP fellows have made a career out of homophobia,and his karma has come back upon him. Other than that: No, tapping one's foot is not a crime. Craig was set up by one of his fellow haters.

Gary
Come on....since when is tapping your foot or giving a hand gesture considered a crime? We all know it is a universal signal for hooking up; but until the act is actually started no crime has been committed. As much as I love seeing a hypocritical Republican busted, Sen. Craig hardly committed a crime.

Anonymous
Everyone knows that he was in their to do the dirty. No one believes he was picking up paper off the floor of a bathroom. If it would have been anyone of us we would have been caught so why shouldn't he have to stand up and take his medicine.

Carol Miller
I think Larry Craig is guilty of bein a hypocrate in every sense of the word.

Ryan
He did not have any actual physical sexual contact with anyone and he did not pay anyone in the restroom for sex. Other than acknowledging another man in the restroom however it was done does NOT constitute a crime. Soon, just looking at another man for whatever reason could be punishable as a pickup and a crime.

Jerome
So I've spent the last couple of weeks now explaining to straight friends that it's not about "Gay Bathroom Signals", it's about "Lewd Bathroom Signals". And "lewd" should be illegal. Craig is right: He is not gay, 'cause gay guys are not ashamed of the fact they that they enjoy having sex with men. The closeted rest stop queens like Craig are the last of a dying breed, a living anachronism whose imminent demise can not come fast enough for me.

David
I don't think that soliciting sex, if that's what it was, is a crime. The crime is in either making it or thinking it a crime.

Paul
Soliciting sex in public is illegal . There's really no way to explain extending one's hand to the leg of the person in a bathroom stall next to you . Yes , he is guilty of a crime .

Anonymous
What's a crime? Smiling at a guy who has issues, or smiling at a cop who hates gay people, so he does everything possible to entrap them, or offering sexual favors between two consenting adults, the later can say no thanks. I think his only crime is being a hypocrite in society, but that's not some thing they are charged for. I feel the issue with the so called 'cop' is over rated, and we should not just question craigs' actions, but the cops actions. Police reports are usually doctored in favor of the cop, and is the only document that is given to the judge in court.

Anonymous
He is guilty of entering a guilty plea and not actually following the legally defined statue of that plea. I understand that to be, by entering a plea of guilty you are in fact stating you are guilty of a crime and therefore admit guilt. If you wish to not say that what you did makes you guilty, but you believe that you cannot prove your innocence, you should enter a plea of 'no contest'. Thereby excepting the punishment and not saying what you did to be infact wrong. I do believe Sen. Craig to be unfit to stay in an elected position and wish for him to be removed. He could be removed under the idea that he is morally unfit for said position and cannot administer unbaised decisions on behalf of his constituates.

shame on the right wing
Public sex? Probably not. Soliciting? Maybe. Hypocrisy? Definitely!

optional
Sex in public places is a crime... the actual act. IF there was physical contact of a sexual kind... and everyone who has been alive since the Clinton era knows that oral sex is not sex. :) Inviting someone home, or conversing about the act, or simply making a non-physical connection is not a crime. Straight people do it everywhere... all the time. There is a place for everything and sex in a bathroom stall is illegal... but hey has that stopped thousands of straights from becoming a member of the milehigh club, or sex on the beach, in a car etc. and more importantly does anyone give a damn when straights do it? Not likely.

John Elsner
Sen. Larry Craig committed a crime --of bad taste. I'd rather do my business in a public restroom without creepy closet -cases tap dancing in the next stall, thank you very much.

Kevin Olomon
No. BUT- he pled guilty and therein lies the difference. In the law's eyes- he pled guilty and was fined- so he's GUILTY. Simple stuff.

Dave O.
1. He did admit guilt. 2. Those actions are indicitive of someone looking for sex in a public restroom. I know 1st hand. However the police are just as guilty of harrassment of the gay public. We are censured and targeted. The activity of the police dept. needs evaluated as much as we need to evaluate our selves. A better way to deal with this should to be addressed. Perhaps a safe area should be created where someone could go and take care of their 'needs'. The bedroom is not always practical in this situation but someplace out of the public eye.

Anonymous
Our rights to consensual sex are always contingent upon not soliciting sex in public places. We can disagree with the law, but he violated the law.

=RD=
Soliciting sex involves money

Barb Bordner
You know something, I think that this is rather lame.I think the real question should be "Are taxpayers spending too much money on the Minneapolis Airport 'Potty Police.'

Anonymous
Sex in a public restroom is not only against the law but disgusting. Personally, I prefer a bed, candlelight, soft music and some wine.

Anonymous
Technically, yes, because in Minneapolis what he did IS a crime. However, I personally believe the mere attempt to establish contact through signals should NOT be criminalized. Only actually engaging in sex acts in a completely PUBLIC space - regardless of genders of those involved - should be even considered proscribed. And any space that is restricted, through payment of admission charge, closed doors, drawn curtains, etc., is by definition NOT a PUBLIC space. I tap my foot, we pass a note, we meet behind closed doors - leave us alone...

Anonymous
Duh, the crime of hypocrisy!

Anonymous
Sen. Craig knew exactly what he was doing!

Bill
Yes, but his crime is being another dishonest,two-faced politician. He's too afraid of losing his supposed power he can't be real or honest with himself, regardless of who he hurts along the way.

Anonymous
Guilty of being a huge hypocrite

Roger B.
What he DID was, or at least should not be, 'criminal' in the literal definition. His REAL crime was in the hypocritical life he is living. While portraying 'family values' as a sop to the 'religious right' on whose support he depends, he has been carrying on a secret gay life. Whether or not he is successful in getting his guilty plea rescinded is immaterial. What DOES matter is that yet another Republican politician has been exposed for what he truly is: a hypocrite!

C. Granger
How can we know with the level of information we've been provided? It's not as if law enforcement officers have a good track record dealing with gay and lesbian citizens. Were they too eager to arrest someone they presumed was gay? Is there information we aren't aware of about Craig's behavior that made it more obvious he was looking for sex?

Jeff Weekley
If he were in the airport bar, made eye contact with a female and used hand gestures to indicate his interest in having sex, would it have been a crime? Certainly not. He'd be a cheat and a jerk, but not a criminal. While I agree that sex in public places should be illegal, that's not what happened. We are all in trouble if we can be charged for crimes based on interpreted 'intent' of our non-verbal communication. Quite frankly, it is homophobia that forces men like Senator Craig to seek sex in bathrooms, and it's homophobia that makes it a crime.

Robert
Interesting how criticism from the newsmedia and activists in the so-called "gay community" have been so spectacularly muted after Jerry Lewis dropped the "F" word on the MDA telethon. Apparently the Jewish Jerry Lewis was quickly given a pass for his homophobic outburst. Somehow I think if it had been the Catholic Ed McMahon who had made the remarks this story wouldn't have disappeared so quickly.

Richard - Las Vegas
The only crime that Larry Craig is guilty of is being a hypocrite! While consistently voting against gay equality measures in the Senate, he was participating (allegedly) in gay sexual practices. Even though he did nothing more than tap his foot in a bathroom stall, perhaps to solicit a sexual encounter, he did not complete a sexual encounter. In that he is a lawyer, he should have realized what it was he was admitting to, when he was arrested. He's obviously too stupid to be a member of the Senate, unless, of course, that is an oxymoron!

Kelsey
Morally I don't think he's done anything that many before him haven’t and undoubtedly a fair amount of other gentlemen in congress have. He just got caught. Legally yes he did brake the law, but who gives a flying fuck. Serves him for being a hypocritical bigot and I couldn't care less that he’s been tossed to the wolves. Bummer. It's rather amusing to sit back and watch republicans shoot themselves in the foot (or occasionally face) without any outside assistance. Heterosexuals can keep Craig, I don’t want claim to him for our team, I can wait for the next round.

Anonymous
Of course, anyone who heard the recorded tape knows Craig was cruising the restroom. What a joke he is. Typical Republican buffoon.

Vengeful dyke
YES! The crime he committed is his hypocritical participation in the Republican jihad against GLBT people, while seeking sex from the very people he sought to oppress. A turd like him belongs in a toilet, and I wish I could flush him.

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