LGBTALY license plate – “sexual in nature”

Edmond resident denied his rights

by Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief

An Oklahoma man said he is being unfairly denied the right to put “LGBTALY” on a personalized Oklahoma license plate for his car.

Dr. John Patrick Keefe lives in Oklahoma City and he wants to get the tag because he is a strong supporter of the LGBT community and, in fact, has a tattoo on his right shoulder indicating his support for LGBT’s.

However, the Oklahoma Tax Commission, the governing agency for Oklahoma license plates, wrote him a letter of denial stating that “LGBTALY” (only seven letters are allowed on personalized plates), is ‘sexual in nature.’

“The opposition comes from fear and superstition,” said Keefe, who continued saying, “I believe it’s important as ally’s we show our undying support of our LGBT brothers and sisters.”

He submitted his application a few months ago and received notice on Jan 22nd that he had been denied the right to display “LGBTALY” on his plate. Keefe has filed the notice of appeal to obtain a hearing and he’s hired attorney Charles Broadway to represent him.

“We are going to fight this because it is discriminatory. It’s a free speech issue – and a First Amendment issue, said Keefe. “I mean it doesn’t matter if you agree with it or not, it’s against the constitution.”

Keefe thinks the opposition from the tax commission will end up going to a full hearing. This means he’ll go before the OK tax commission and they will decide whether Keefe is right or wrong and whether it was wrongly denied.

“I think there needs to be some pressure applied. I think people should show their support, call them, and write in,” he added.

If denied, he intends to call the news stations and “really get the press involved.” If it goes to a full hearing, Keefe invites anyone to attend the proceedings. He does not plan to let this issue be forgotten.

“I’ll go as far as I need to go. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

His history of support as an LGBT ally goes back many years and he has always considered himself open minded and supportive of all people.

“15 years ago I had an article published in what was then the Daily Oklahoman. It was called, “Scouts: Fearful bigots?” It was about the Boy Scouts…because it just seemed wrong to me, even back then that they would be practicing anti-gay sentiment, especially as a non-profit.”

Keefe has three daughters, but said if he had a son he wouldn’t have let him be a Scout because of their anti-gay history. He would, however, be fine if one of his daughters wanted to be a Girl Scout.

“That would be great,” exclaimed Keefe. It’s a totally different story.” He did add he was glad to see the Boy Scouts are getting much better about their anti-gay stance.

“And I have a big background of activism,” he added. “I’ve worked with the Peace House [in OKC], PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), I’m a vegan and so much more!”

Keefe helps people conceive by donating his sperm.

“Most are lesbian couples, but some are straight and some are just single people.” Basically he just likes to see people happy and to have a chance to complete their families.

Keefe also sees the difference education makes and that this is more about educating people about their rights. Keefe is working on his third Masters Degree’s, he has his PhD. as well as a certificate of Ministry [Lifelong Wedding Ceremonies]. He also owns C&K Bail Bonds in south Oklahoma City.

Keefe would like to see this end with him winning the case and the OTC to say, “OK, we were wrong…and we apologize.”

However, he knows that is unrealistic.

“It’s not just about that – I want the awareness to be raised. It’s a First Amendment right and it’s discriminatory – in a harmful, hateful, mean, bigoted, uneducated hateful way…for simply loving someone and wanting to show support to the LGBT community, which has long faced discrimination.

“We have to take it upon ourselves to educate ourselves and understand rights and once people educate themselves, they quit fighting it.”

Stay tuned to the The Gayly for ongoing coverage of Keefe’s plight for equality.

The Gayly – March 24, 2015 @ 12:55pm.