GOP Rep. Andy Ogles deletes homophobic social media post, blames staffer - BERITAJA

Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., deleted a homophobic remark he posted from his charismatic legislature X relationship connected Tuesday and blamed a staffer for posting it pursuing backlash from Democrats and immoderate Republicans.

The now-deleted post, which came astatine the opening of Pride Month, read: “Homosexuality has nary spot successful America. Happy Nuclear Family Month.”

Ogles later said connected X that “a personnel of my comms team” sent the post. “The station was stupid, hurtful and a complete distraction from my America First focus. The worker has been reprimanded,” he added.

Fellow Republican Rep. Mike Lawler, N.Y., was among those who condemned Ogles complete the post, calling it “idiotic.”

“Homosexuality exists. In America. In truth Andy, you person family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and constituents who are cheery and lesbian,” Lawler wrote connected X. “It doesn’t make them little than aliases someway unworthy of being an American. What an perfectly idiotic connection to make.”

Lawler told Beritaja connected Tuesday that he besides sent Ogles immoderate “choice words” via matter message.

Lawler wasn’t the only Republican to disagree pinch Ogles. Asked by TMZ whether he agreed pinch the post, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said, “For each of recorded history, homosexuals person been portion of humanity.”

“I’m rather libertarian by nature,” he continued. “I deliberation the behaviour of consenting adults is their business.”

Democrats slammed the post, pinch Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Mass., penning successful a station that “bigots for illustration Andy Ogles person nary spot successful America.” Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Mich., besides weighed in, calling it a “horrific and disgusting point to say.”

“The LGBTQI+ organization makes America great, dissimilar bigots for illustration you,” Thanedar said successful a post.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., did not instantly respond to a petition for remark Wednesday about Ogles’ post.

It’s not the first clip Ogles has travel nether occurrence for inflammatory remarks. Earlier this year, Ogles declared that “Muslims don’t beryllium successful American society,” which besides prompted bipartisan backlash.

Polling has indicated that Republicans’ support for same-sex matrimony and relationships has decreased successful caller years. In 2021, 55% of Republicans said that marriages betwixt same-sex couples should beryllium recognized, according to a Gallup poll. In 2026, that number dropped to 37% of Republicans.