Thread: No more loyalty oaths in Pennsylvania

No more loyalty oaths in Pennsylvania

August 28, 2006






PHILADELPHIA -- Candidates for public office in Pennsylvania no longer have to sign a McCarthy-era loyalty oath pledging that they are not ''subversive.''

The requirement was unconstitutional, Attorney General Tom Corbett has told election officials.

The change was ordered after John Staggs refused to sign the oath when he turned in nominating petitions earlier this year and then threatened to sue the state.

''I believe their definition of 'subversive' can really apply to anyone,'' said Staggs, 59, who is running for a state legislative seat.

''They want to be able to pick and choose, so they can use it versus people who are challenging the status quo.''

The 1951 law describes as subversive anyone who advocates or takes part in ''any act intended to overthrow, destroy (or) alter'' the government.

AP






http://www.suntimes.com/output/elect/cst-nws-loy28.html

The change was ordered after John Staggs refused to sign the oath when he turned in nominating petitions earlier this year and then threatened to sue the state.

Maybe a little personal guilt?

Could be............