US: Republican congressman labels equal marriage ‘bullshazzl’ during school visit

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A Republican congressman is under fire, after he referred to same-sex marriage as “bullshazzl” during a visit to a high school.

According to numerous witnesses, Representative Don Young – who at 81 is the longest-serving US congressman – swore repeatedly during an event at Wasilla High School.

While addressing a school assembly, Mr Young made insensitive remarks about suicide – just days after a student at the school killed themselves – and also made jokes about getting drunk, reportedly used the words “asshole” and “smartass”.

He also labelled same-sex marriage “bullshazzl”, saying “You can’t have marriage with two men. What do you get with two bulls?”

The school’s Principal Amy Spargo told the Alaska Dispatch: “At that point I was heading for the microphone. It was time to be done.

“We really spend a lot of time at our school talking about how we treat each other. We just don’t talk to people that way.”

A spokesperson for the politician said: “Congressman Young responded to each and every question with serious and honest answers, which at times included strong language.

“In no way did Congressman Young mean to upset anyone with his well-intentioned message. In light of the tragic events affecting the Wasilla High School community, he should have taken a much more sensitive approach.”

Anti-gay Republican Sarah Palin is an alumnus of Wasilla High School.

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