LGBT discussion takes on a new tone in the Ohio Statehouse

Posted on June 21, 2009
Filed Under Uncategorized

Columbus–As the House State Government committee considered a bill to outlaw discrimination by sexual orientation or gender identity, State Rep. Cliff Hite of Findlay challenged Crystal Curry of the anti-gay Concerned Women for America.

“You and the other [Equal Housing and Employment Act opponents] have testified that homosexuals are only about three percent of the population,” said Hite, a Republican. “So how is it that three percent represents such a threat?”

“They’re not,” Curry answered, “unless we give them civil rights and allow them to marry. Then they are a threat. Three percent is not harmful unless they keep pushing and pushing and take on rights.”

Curry then told lawmakers that because LGBT people use the word “gay” instead of “homosexual” and Will and Grace has gay characters, homosexuality will “become accepted.”

“Kids will grow up and try it,” she complained.

The exchange caused a visible reaction in Hite and other committee members, both Democrats and Republicans.

This illustrates what might be the most significant development in the bill’s movement through the Ohio legislature:

The measure’s opponents can no longer make wild, unsubstantiated and long-debunked claims about the lives of LGBT people without challenges from both sides of the partisan aisle.

See LGBT discussion takes on a new tone in the Ohio Statehouse

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