Claudia Riner | |
|---|---|
 Riner in 1980 | |
| Member of the Kentucky House of Representatives from the 36th district | |
| In office January 1, 1978 – January 1, 1982 | |
| Preceded by | Michael W. Wooden |
| Succeeded by | Tom Riner |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Claudia Badgett 1948 (age 75–76) |
| Political party | Democratic (until 1972, since 1975) |
| Other political affiliations | Republican (1972–1975) |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 6 |
Claudia Riner (née Badgett, born 1948) is an American politician who served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1978 to 1981, representing the 36th district. She was the first woman from Madisonville, Kentucky, to hold high public office. Riner was characterized by colleagues in the legislature as a polarizing figure, due to her conservatism and religious activism, but she was also known as a persistent and adept legislator. She proposed multiple bills related to her Christian values, including her most well-known "Ten Commandments law", requiring that a copy of the Ten Commandments be posted in a plaque in every Kentucky classroom. She also proposed bills to teach creation science in public schools, ban the sale and distribution of pornography to minors, and require that misdemeanor offenders compensate their victims.
Claudia married Tom Riner in 1971; he was elected to replace her in the House in 1981, after she announced her retirement. Riner continued to engage in public life; she has served multiple terms as the legislative chair for the Democratic Party in Kentucky's 41st House of Representatives district, as well as vice chair of the Jefferson County Democratic Party.