Melvin Watt: “I intend to vote ``present.'' I have had a discussion with the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) earlier today about…”

“I intend to vote ``present.'' I have had a discussion with the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) earlier today about whether I agree or disagree with the court's opinion, the majority opinion, a 2-1 opinion, a part of the court; and I told him I thought I agreed more with the dissent in the case than I do with the majority. But that is almost a side issue here. The real issue is what the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Gekas) started to say, I think, was that the process is still continuing. Three people have entered a decision, a 2-1 decision. That decision no doubt will be reviewed by the entire circuit court and no doubt ultimately be reviewed by the United States Supreme Court. And while I recognize that this body has a prerogative to express an opinion about anything it wants to express an opinion about, I just do not think that I want to be a party to joining in the collective expression of an opinion of the legislative side of government to the judicial side of government on this issue, particularly when the case is still pending before the court and we do not know its ultimate disposition. I have strong opinions about this issue. I think the Bill of Rights' first amendment and other amendments in the Bill of Rights was intended to protect those who are in the minority.”