Countywide : Judge to Speak on Legalizing Drugs

Superior Court Judge James P. Gray, who sparked debate when he proposed legalization of drugs in April, will discuss his views Sunday and June 14.

Gray will appear Sunday to talk at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1201 Irvine Blvd. in Tustin, at 9 and 10:30 a.m. On June 14, Gray will be the guest speaker at the county chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union’s annual Flag Day Picnic at William R. Mason Regional Park in Irvine. He is scheduled to speak at noon.

Gray “is talking about a subject of enormous importance,” said Sterlyn Steele, president of the county ACLU.

He said the ACLU chose Gray to speak because “we should let as many people speak and propose solutions to this problem as we can.”

Gray attracted national attention April 8 when he held a press conference to propose the legalization of marijuana, heroin and cocaine. His proposal would make the substances available for adult purchasers at licensed pharmacies.

Gray called his proposal an alternative to the war on drugs, which he said is being lost. He said that nearly 80% of the criminal cases at Superior Court are related to drugs and that eliminating some drug laws would alleviate court congestion, free jail space and save taxpayers money.

“I believe we are being played as suckers by our own drug laws,” Gray said at the April press conference. “I believe the bad guys are winning. . . . The bad guys are laughing at us.”

Under Gray’s plan, legalized drugs would be sold at a fraction of their present price, and potency would be regulated to help prevent overdoses. Also, money being used to enforce drug laws would instead go toward drug education and rehabilitation.

Law enforcement officials and politicians were quick to attack Gray’s proposal. County Sheriff Brad Gates, one of Gray’s most outspoken opponents, said he will campaign against the judge if he runs for reelection in 1996.

For information on Gray’s appearances, call Aldersgate Church at (714) 544-3653 or the county ACLU at (714) 722-7775. Tickets for the June 14 event are $15.