The Republicans don’t have the best gay rights track record. Despite their homo-jilting history, the Grand Old Party does its best to remain congenial on the matter – or, at least, as congenial as you can be when denying Americans basic rights.
Presidential candidate and former Wisconsin governor, Tommy Thompson let it all hang out during last night’s presidential debate, when asked whether employers have the right to fire a known homosexual:
I think that is left up to the individual business. I really sincerely believe that that is an issue that business people have to got to make their own determination as to whether or not they should be.
When asked to clarify if that’s an affirmation, Thompson answered, “yes”.
Minutes later, his campaign tried to clean up the mess. From AmericaBlog:
How about we take this to the next level?
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…An astute [reader] wrote Tommy Thompson’s main campaign email address at 10:11pm this evening to complain that Thompson was an “ignorant, homophobic fool.” Imagine his surprise at 10:20pm, only 9 minutes later, when he received an email from Thompson spokesman Tony Jewell saying that Thompson misheard the question and is opposed to discrimination. Yeah, well, watch the video for yourself – Thompson says it’s up the individual employer if he wants to fire someone for being gay. He answered the question twice. Can’t be any clearer than that.
What we don’t understand is why Jewell would even try to clarify Thompson’s tactless comments. Doesn’t his base loathe the gays? If anything, you’d think Jewell would celebrate the remark. Such back peddling ain’t going to look good. Which, of course, is good news for the gays.
john
WTF!!!! Did he confuse “hire” for “fire”? If so, that’s just as bad. Where does he stand on the new hate crime bill that Bush is going to veto? If he wants to apologize, he can start by making a stand and supporting this bill! Republican ASSHOLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
dizz
This government and half this county (usa) doesnt give a **** about gay rights or even civil rights. The usa is the next 4th reich. Better prepare for the worst.
Charles Steiner
Tommy Thompson is a hetero freak — obviously uncomfortable with his own masculinity! Such a prejudiced SOB deserves something more than — oh, that’s right. He’s does have a very brown nose! Kiss it, Tommy!