Dave Agema, a former Michigan state representative, sparked an uproar after he posted an article on Facebook that calls gays “filthy.”

Agema, the state's Republican National Committeeman, posted an article titled Everyone Should Know These Statistics on Homosexuals on his Facebook page.

In the article, writer Frank Joseph, M.D. asserts that gay people are promiscuous, responsible for the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and that “many homosexuals admit they are pedophiles.”

“[P]art of the homosexual agenda is to get the public to affirm their filthy lifestyle,” the article states.

Agema defended promoting the article, saying that he was not its author, Michigan Live reported.

“I think the piece was worth sharing given the debate over gay marriage that is happening in the Supreme Court,” he told Gongwer News Service.

The outcry includes criticism from Republicans.

“Our party remains in support of traditional marriage but that should never be allowed nor confused with any form of hate or discrimination toward anyone,” Michigan Republican Party Chairman Bobby Schostak said in a statement. “Any statement or message in contrast undermines our party's platform and our common sense conservative message.”

While Agema has removed the post, he said in an email that its assertions were “common sense.”

Dr. Joseph's “findings and others confirm it's an unhealthy lifestyle,” Agema wrote. “The gay activists portray themselves as innocent victims; however, we who believe in traditional, time tested values are being bullied. Because I disagree with their views, I have had threats to me and my family – that's hate! This is not about hate but a lifestyle that is against 230 years of American history and filled with medical, psychological, legal and costs reasons to oppose it. If you truly loved someone, you would want them to know their lifestyle usually leads to early death. It’s about common sense. It’s about maintaining the family and its importance to the well being of the children and this nation.”

Agema has also started a petition asking supporters to stand by him.

“Some liberal publications such as Huffington Post, as well as some liberal Republicans who backed Saul Anuzis for re-election have attacked me for posting someone else's writings, and even asked for my resignation. What a joke,” states the petition, which has 304 signatures.