Acting House Speaker Patrick McHenry has made campaigning against LGBTQ+ rights one of his hallmark stances in Congress.
And now, an out lobbyist is accusing the North Carolina Republican of blatant homophobia.
Jimmy Williams, who now works as a social media consultant, tweeted Tuesday night that McHenry once banned him from his office due to his sexual orientation.
“Hey Mr Acting Speaker, remember when I was your lobbyist from @realtors? You banned me from your office because I was gay,” Williams tweeted. “I’ve never forgotten. Ever. Now that you’re the Acting Speaker, you should answer for what you did to me aka blatant homophobia.”
I’d be happy to speak with the House Ethics Committee abt this and give them the names of my supervisors who told me I was banned and why. 2/2
— jimmy williams (@Jimmyspolitics) October 4, 2023
As expected, there is strong reaction to Williams’ accusation.
Like the great Maya Angelou said, when people show you who they are, believe them, the first time. A small man with a fragile ego.
— Kerry Carr (@kcarroth_carr) October 4, 2023
Thanks for speaking out.
— Anita (@AnitaSt62077960) October 4, 2023
I am so sorry you were treated that way. And hell yeah you should file that complaint.
— Jenny Gattone (@TheWriteJennyG) October 4, 2023
While Williams’ allegation, if true, is a story on its own, McHenry owns an ignominious history of being anti-LGBTQ+.
During his early days in Congress, he was a vehement opponent of same-sex marriage, claiming it was part of an “organized effort by the radical left and their allies in Hollywood and academia to destroy our traditional American culture.”
When New Jersey’s Supreme Court ruled gay couples are entitled to the same rights as straight couples, McHenry’s office issued a blistering statement… even though he represents North Carolina.
“First Massachusetts and today, New Jersey, have shown us all why we desperately need a federal constitutional amendment protecting traditional marriage and we need it now,” he said.
“A few liberal judges in these two states have abused their positions of trust by legislating from the bench. This is another attempt to destroy the institution that is the cornerstone of civilization and family life – marriage.”
Though same-sex unions are now recognized nationwide, McHenry and an ardent group of homophobic hardliners are still intent on opposing them. Last summer, he was one of 169 House Republicans who voted against the Respect for Marriage act, which protects same-sex and interracial marriage (39 House Republicans voted in favor of the measure, which Joe Biden signed into law).
Unsurprisingly, his views on transgender issues aren’t any more enlightened. This year, he voted in favor of legislation that would bar women and girls from playing on school sports teams matching their gender identity.
But wait: the 18-year congressional vet isn’t only anti-LGBTQ+. He also seems to be vengeful!
One of McHenry’s first orders as temporary speaker was kicking Nancy Pelosi out of her office…while she’s in San Francisco attending Dianne Feinstein’s funeral.
Pelosi, by the way, effectively ran the House with a narrow majority–unlike Republicans. She helped Biden pass his two signature domestic policy bills: Build Back Better and the Inflation Reduction Act.
No Republicans voted for the latter measure, but it didn’t matter, because Pelosi actually, you know, controlled her conference.
Walked by this evening and the hideaway is being packed up -> pic.twitter.com/n0jWFhCHxP
— Nicholas Wu (@nicholaswu12) October 4, 2023
McHenry, who was the top Republican on the Financial Services Committee, was one of Kevin McCarthy’s top allies. Powerless over his conference, McHenry slammed the speaker’s gavel in disgust Tuesday following his pal’s ousting.
As acting speaker, McHenry can’t bring legislation to the floor, but he can act like a petulant child!
Cute bow tie, though…
Dude’s got some issues with that gavel
— Luke Zaleski (@ZaleskiLuke) October 3, 2023
With McCarthy ruling out another run for Speaker, there’s no clear front-runner for the position. That means McHenry could be speaker pro tempore for a while.
That poor, poor gavel.
RoyM
Republicans are just rotten people. All of them are hate-driven anti-lgbtq bigots. There isn’t a single conservative who is a decent human being. It’s sad but it’s not new.
Openminded
That statement is as stupid as homophobes claiming that “ALL gays are pedophiles” and racists claims that “ALL black people are lazy entitlement seekers”. It just isn’t true and you are very small minded to claim such. There are many many decent conservative Republicans. As far as “hate driven” goes, your statement is full of hate. I truly wish this site could stick more to “that gay agenda” and stop stirring the political pot just for clicks.
Kangol2
Truly perverse examples, Openminded. The majority of pedophiles are opposite sex, and the majority of “entitlement seekers” are White (we won’t get into laziness, since unpaid Black labor built up this country), but that you would even use those as your challenges to RoyM’s blanket statement says everything.
abfab
”Stirring the political pot”! WHAT! You are a republican. Wow, good for you.
If you can’t stand the heat stay out of the kitchen!
List republicans who are filled with love and then get back to us.
List republicans that are pro choice.
List republicans that embrace diversity.
List republicans that are Gay and Proud and Smart.
”Just for clicks”…..oh brother.
Openminded
Ok, how about “All Gays are sexual deviants”. Ever had that one wrongly hurled your way? You guys are a lot of the problem people have with Gays. You seem to think you are 100% correct and entitled to your opinion without anyone being able to object. Kanglo, your statement proved my point. People unfairly make these blanket statements that aren’t even true and the rest of the sheep blindly follow. Abfab, I can stand the heat, but your invite to “stay out of the kitchen” shows just how inclusive you’re not. This community is so “me” centered that just like the current situation with the GOP party, the Gay community will be it’s own demise.
abfab
Mr.Open. Let me help you out here. The POLITICAL KITCHEN is the place I was referring to, not The GAY KITCHEN, althought now I have my thoughts on that as well.
No one needs TO STIR THE POLITICAL POT, ding dong..it stirs itself. And while we’re here, tell us all about YOUR GAY AGENDA. It sounds fascinating,
BTW, nothing is 100%. So stop.
Openminded
ALL is about as 100% as you can get. I’ll stop when other’s quit starting it.
Fahd
As much as I detest derogatory social stereotypes, I can´t get passed ¨Napolean complex¨ with Mr. McHenry. The bowtie isn´t helpling. He should be shamed for banning this lobbyist based on sexual orientation. What an awful instance of discrimination!
With just ten or so Republican votes, Hakeem Jeffries, could become the next elected Speaker of the House. Now that would be historic.
abfab
Hakeem is very cool, very smart and very attractive.
abfab
The bowtie screams TWIT. The haircut screams UPTIGHT. His actions speak louder than words. Shame.
abfab
SHAVER is still trying to find Benghazi on the map.
abfab
And really, Jim Jordan. Do you really want to open up that can of worms (locker room wrestllng antics) again? Big man from Ohio? Jacket-free tough guy? Roll up those sleeves, coach. Until you live your truth the questions an accusations will continue to haunt you.
And Scalise? Is there a bigger rascist? He’s just plain dumb,
And Patrick. Eat shit.
COTTONTOP
There just isn’t ANY good republican replacement (maybe because there are so few good republicans)
ShaverC
If Pelosi wasn’t bitter and angry about the office switch, then she wouldn’t have mentioned it. She’s one of the biggest liars in Congress.
ZzBomb
Guess you didn’t read her reply, b/c she could care less from the sound of it. But please don’t let facts penetrate your bubble. It might just pop and you’ll have to face reality for once.
abfab
So says Shaver. The bitter, angry liar. And a loser.
Mack
The reason why McCarthy didn’t do it while he was Speaker-he didn’t have the balls. McHenry only did it because Pelosi was in California for Feinstein’s funeral. I see a bunch of your people with no balls trying to run Congress.
ShaverC
ZzBomb, Pelosi’s response: “This eviction is a sharp departure from tradition … Office space doesn’t matter to me, but it seems to be important to them.”
“Sharp departure from tradition” = bitter.
If they asked her what she thought about the change she would’ve replied with nothing or “no big deal” The first part of her reply, speaks volumes.
abfab
It’s really no big deal. But Shaver is now tripping and making it a big deal. Gasping as he sinks deeper into the republican swamp.
whereshouldistart
So, ShaverC, by using your own mental gymnastic routine, the fact that she mentioned “tradition” means she is actually bothered by the move?
I guess that means that McHenry’s anti-LGTBQ+ stance means he is actually gay himself?
Thanks for proving my own belief that THE SQUEAKY WHEEL ALWAYS CRAVES THE K-Y.
dbmcvey
Once again, Shaves for the dumbest take of the day.
DrJones
No idea who this “ShaverC” is, but you are the only one with this opinion here, and it’s DEFINITELY just that. Maybe try not reading in to the situation next time, she’s “mentioning” it to call attention to how it’s unprecedented and basically non-collegial of the Rethugs, but Nancy really doesn’t care, it just makes them look bad, not her.
Openminded
@Shaver, My read on the article is that NBC confirmed the forced move and asked for Pelosi’s response, to which she gave a very professional reply . It doesn’t appear that she called any kind of press conference simply to make her statement. I’m sure it actually does hurt her pride, but she was professional enough to know her personal victories are less important than actual political victories and she is likely content knowing the Democrats have managed to shred the Republican leadership. As a Republican myself, I can’t believe my party didn’t see this coming. If the GOP can’t expel the MAGA rats, the party is doomed. Just like in our current society, the “good” is quickly being outnumbered by the “bad” and it is past time for the “good” to stand up and demand corrections be made.
dbmcvey
This was going to happen as soon as McCarthy agreed to this rule. Now McCarthy is trying to blame Democrats rather than his lack of foresight and his inability to lead the herd of cats that are the congressional Republicans.
storm45701
Poor Shaver has Pelosi derangement syndrome.
It is a big deal from a security perspective, because former speakers and other notables are given hideaway offices for better protection. Given the amount of death threats against Pelosi, she deserves that office.
COTTONTOP
Methinks ShaverC is a troll who gets hard from posting nonsense. Best to ignore it.
abfab
Oh no…let’s get him hard.
BENGHAZI BENGAHZI BENGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAZI
ZzBomb
It still bewilders me why these people thought gays getting married was going to “destroy marriage.” These people are such hyperbolic dimwits all I do now is point and laugh at them. Their not worthy of human decency or respect.
abfab
And in fact, these conservatives/bigots/fascists accept that they are not worthy of human decency or respect. They seem to have come to terms with this. And now they can’t budge. Most will say, on thier death beds…………”God. I was a real asshole, wasn’t I?”
ShaverC
abfab, It’s good that you know who’s worthy of human decency and respect.
abfab
It certainly isn’t you. Pelosi just lost one of her oldest pals in life and work. If you were a decent man, you would have offered some jesture of sympathy and condolence.
Instead, we get the same old you.
ShaverC
abfab, LOL you’re so very compassionate. I get it though, it’s shocking when a sickly 90 year old passes away.
Fenwick22
ShaverC, our own lil MAGAtard troll. Your slip is showing.
Kangol2
They are homophobes, that’s why. Long before same-sex marriage they were destroying their own marriages without any gay person’s help. They’re horrible people who project their inadequacies and fears onto and blame everyone else for their failures and incompetence. Did gay people detonate Don the Con’s marriages? Marjorie Taylor Greene’s? Lauren Boebert’s? Just go down the list!
abfab
More from the American Exceptionalism Department.
The Guardian:
Troy Nehls, from Texas, calls Trump ‘the greatest president of my lifetime’ and says he will nominate him to replace Kevin McCarthy
whereshouldistart
He’d never accept the nomination.
1. It involves actual work.
2. He’d never settle for being anything but the flaming orange bag of shit at the top so he can step on the backs of his idiot supporters.
abfab
3. He still connects speaker of the house to his late, nagging mother.
Brian
A man who was too dumb to take the SAT is not a man who can memorize parliamentary procedure.
Kangol2
GQP rules bar someone indicted on charges that could require 2+ years jail time from serving as Speaker, this disqualifying Don the Con, so Troy Dumb as Nehls would be engaging in a fool’s errand. Sounds about right!
dbmcvey
The current Republican Party is all about petty revenge and cruelty. Just like the leader of the party that big orange psycho.
abfab
Narrow-minded cronies.
COTTONTOP
Can’t argue with that.
abfab
The Holy Ones. Hallowed Be thy Name……………..
Patrick and Giulia tied the knot in 2010 and live in Denver, North Carolina.
According to the House of Representatives website, the two spend their time on the weekend attending their local church, the Holy Spirit Church.
…………….the whole weekend? Oy vay. No wonder.
Kangol2
Patrick McHenry is a known homophobe and transphobe who in 2008 allegedly also insulted an Iraqi contractor working in Iraq (who was aiding George W. Bush’s disastrous invasion of that country, which McHenry supported),. In violation of US House rules, he also just forced Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer from their offices. According US House rules, the Speaker Pro Tempore has one power and responsibility, to ensure a new House Speaker. That person is not a de facto Speaker with numerous powers; the House is out of session, so McHenry is operating in violation of House rules. But this tells you everything you need to know about this right-wing creep and the reckless, out of control party-cult he belongs to.
abfab
Thank you for sending out this information. He’s a true patriot, isn’t he.
Herman75
Have we heard for Kitara Ravach yet? What does Mr Devolder say about it?
abfab
Ostensibly, yes. They lurk and post here.
COTTONTOP
Yuck!
Kangol2
Kitara’s campaign treasurer just agreed to plea guilty in federal court to committing a felony, so La Kitara Ravache Devolder Santos Mentirosa is probably quaking in her kitten heels right about now.
abfab
Thanks for the news K. Kitten Heels….LOL
cc423
Back in 2010, there were lots of rumors about McHenry being a closeted gay man. He quickly got married as those rumors were spiking…
Kangol2
Yep. He’s a devout little Catholic freakazoid who’s nutty as a fruitcake! Just look up his history–his links to W Bush, his getting harshly criticized for revealing military information in Iraq, his use of PAC funds, his donations from a major player in the subprime mortgage crisis that led to the W Bush 2007-9 financial collapse and Great Recession, his public lie about and insulting of Elizabeth Warren, and more. He’s really bad news!
rbernard
This is a guy who is homophobic, wears prim bow ties, is sexually high strung, and is deflecting all the time.
We have seen this behavior before from homophobic republicans,
It is usually because of a dirty little secret they needs to hide.
There are old stories about Patrick McHenry when he was a younger man and he used to hang out with gay porn stars – that is a secret to hide.