In an email released by pro-gay group
PFLAG, Ohio Republican representative Jeff Wagner describes a pending state gay
equality bill as “dangerous and misguided.” The sophomore
representative goes as far as condemning homosexuality as an “immoral
lifestyle.”
The Equal Housing and Employment
Non-Discrimination Act was introduced March 11 by Dan Steward
(Democrat, Columbus) and Jon M. Peterson (Republican, Delaware). The
measure would prohibit discrimination by sexual orientation and
gender identity in public and private employment, housing, and public
accommodations.
In an email written to an Ohio
constituent and posted on the PFLAG website, Wagner writes, “[T]his
is a dangerous and misguided bill. The bill is not really about
people being denied rights to basic needs, but it is about promoting
acceptance of an immoral lifestyle. As much as some people would
have us to believe otherwise, this country was founded on Christian
principles. One of those long honored principles is the tradition of
holy matrimony. One man and one woman joined together in a union
that goes as far back Adam and Eve. As our society has gotten
further from that standard (not just homosexuality, but easy divorce,
cheating on a spouse, etc.) we see a continued collapse of the basic
building block of society the family unit. As that traditional
family erodes, we see more sexually transmitted diseases, kids
without parents, heartbroken people and I believe a host of mental
and physical illnesses...rest assured I can not support a bill in any
way promotes or encourages the homosexual lifestyle.”
PFLAG Director of Communications Steve
Ralls said of Wagner's remarks, “One wonders if Mr. Wagner has
considered whether it might not be more damaging to 'family values'
to have a family member fired from their job, or denied a home for
them and their loved ones simply because of who they are, or who they
love.”
Cleveland's Gay
People's Chronicle has
reported that Ohio Governor Ted Strickland told a gathering of gay
activists in Cleveland that he believes the bill will pass, “...I
look forward to celebrating with you when I sign it into law.”