Jeff Wagner Thinks Efforts To Protect Gays Are Dangerous
Submitted by David Potts on Thu, 05/22/2008 - 1:29pm.
A reader sent in a tip about an email from State Rep. Jeff Wagner where he discuses HB 502, which aims to stop discrimination against homosexuals.
In the email Wagner refers to the bill as "dangerous and misguided", and argues that it is only "promoting acceptance of an immoral lifestyle".
Either Wagner apparently doesn't realize that protecting gays from discrimination doesn't mean he endorses their way of life, or that he doesn't believe such discrimination is wrong. I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and assume it's the former, but that's bad enough.
Sad, really.
Submitted by cliffdvr on Thu, 05/22/2008 - 7:26pm.
It is sad and pathetic that people in this fine state can continue in their misguided belief that gay and lesbian individuals are that by choice anymore than people are right or left handed by choice.
The fact that people still express this mistaken viewpoint is exhibit A as to why such anti-discrimination protections are needed.
Personally, I don't approve of Rep. Wagner's sanctimonious lifestyle but would never think that using my feelings about that should form a legal basis to legally discriminate against him in employment or housing.
I am deserving of the same rights he enjoys. Period.
So here it is...
Submitted by really on Fri, 05/23/2008 - 5:56am.
A friend sent me the full email text, I hope Jeff would get a clue! Its not acceptance however just basic rights!
From: Wagner, Jeff
Sent: Sunday, May 18, 2008 9:12 PM
To: Dean Prushing Subject:
RE: Please vote no on the so-called "Equal Housing and Employoment Act"
Mr. Prushing,
Thank you for your e mail about HB 502. You are exactly right that this 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 as 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. I thank you for your e mail and input on this issue, rest assured I can not support a bill in any way promotes or encourages the homosexual lifestyle.
Jeff Wagner ________________________________________
WTF?
Submitted by modernesquire on Fri, 05/23/2008 - 8:32am.
This isn't a gay marriage bill! $5 says his staff took his rote form letter on gay marriage, made a few changes so it could serve as a form letter for this. This bill is about Equal Protection under the law and says you can't deny someone a job or housing because you object to that person's "lifestyle."
Is marriage a lifestyle, because we already have laws that protect against discrimination based on maritial status in housing and employment.
Maybe Rep. Wagner doesn't like the idea of heterosexual couples living together out of wedlock, but we already have laws that prohibit landlords for denying that couple for that basis. But if the couple is gay, hey, it's fine?
I'll be waiting with baited breath for State Rep. Wagner to introduce a bill that allows employers and landlords to deny housing and employment to unmarried heterosexual couples.
'Cause we can't have the State promote acceptance of an immoral lifestyle.
gee-whiz
Submitted by J-Dog on Fri, 05/23/2008 - 7:53am.
You'd figure our legislators would have bigger fish to fry than worrying about people who love each other. So much for Christ's 11th Commandment, eh?
Wagner is a whited sepulcher.
As the sponsor
Submitted by repstewart on Fri, 05/23/2008 - 5:45pm.
I'm the sponsor of the anti discrimination bill HB 502 that Rep. Wagner refered to as "dangerous" because it says you can't be fired or denied housing because of your sexual orientation.
I'm not sure what kind of Christian he thinks he is to think it's OK to discriminate against anyone for any reason. When he forwarded his hate filled e-mail to all members and ALL staff as well as others outside the legislature, the majority of my House Democrats signed a letter telling him how inappropriate and unprofessional he was. As well as how we stood united against his discrimatory views.
With all the hatefull e-mails that have been sent by the radical right CCV to my fellow legislators for co-sponsoring this bill with me, it would be nice for those of you who agree with us, to let them know you support their courage for doing the right thing.
State Representative Dan Stewart
Christian principles?
Submitted by obamamama on Sat, 10/18/2008 - 4:40pm.
As disappointing and disturbing as we may find Jeff Wagner's close-minded viewpoints on homosexuality to be, let's take a moment to read further into his letter to Mr. Prushing. Notice his sentence that states "As much as some people would have us to believe otherwise this country was founded on Christian principles." In his letter, he not only denounces homosexuality, but also tells his constituents that he uses his personal religious beliefs to guide his political work. The following description of Government-Sponsored Religion is taken from the Americans United for the Separation of Church and State website:
The public square is a place where all viewpoints should be welcome. To encourage individual expression and prevent the government from endorsing religion, the constitutional principle of church-state separation forbids government, or those acting on its behalf, from expressing an official religious viewpoint. Unfortunately, this principle is often violated by state-sponsored religious, sectarian prayers at government meetings, and by many other state-sponsored activities. When the government or government officials get behind one religious message, it sends the message to adherents that they are more valuable, and all others are less valuable, members of the political community. Leaving religious expression to private citizens ensures that the government will treat everyone equally.
Enough is enough. It's time to bring a candidate into the State Representative office that will represent ALL of his constituents.
Wagner...