While Pride ads circulate the internet and celebrations erupt across the country, Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles posted, “Homosexuality has no place in America. Happy Nuclear Family Month.” Soon after, Republicans replied to the X post claiming Ogles’s comment made no sense.
The post was called “idiotic” and “insane” by other Republican Senators.
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) replied, “Homosexuality exists, In America. In fact Andy, you have family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and constituents who are gay and lesbian. It doesn’t make them less than or somehow unworthy of being an American. What an absolutely idiotic statement to make.”
Andy Ogles’s comment shocked Republican representatives. The Senators who replied to the post are staunch advocates for anti-LGBTQ+ bills and policies, yet many of them shut Ogles’ claim down.
Texas Representative Ted Cruz, who is known for anti-LGBTQ+ actions, told TMZ, “For all of recorded history, homosexuals have been a part of humanity, and I got to say, I’m quite libertarian by nature. I think the behavior of consenting adults is their business.” Cruz has introduced bills that repress marriage equality and used transphobic language in the past, so his retaliation against Ogles caught republican constituents off guard.
Former Rep. George Santos (R-NY) expressed his feelings on his supposed friend’s post. “As much as I support the Nuclear family and how fundamental it is for life. I never thought I’d hear a person I consider a friend say there is no place for me in this country simply because of who I chose to love. I never once pushed my lifestyle onto anyone and have always voted and advocated for conservative principles. But I have the same civil rights as anyone else in this country and I am saddened by this insane comment.”
After criticism, Ogles released a statement. He claimed the post was written by a member of his communications staff and had learned of the comment only after it gained attention.
“The post was stupid, hurtful and a complete distraction from my American first focus.” He continued, “ The employee has been reprimanded.”
