digging in

Lawmaker who blamed drag queens for mass shooting in Ohio refuses to resign

Candice Keller

Ohio state Rep. Candice Keller says she absolutely positively will not resign following her remarks that drag queens, same-sex marriage, and a general disregard for God are to blame for the mass shooting that left nine people dead in Dayton, Ohio last weekend.

Shortly after the shooting, Keller took to Facebook to list all the factors she  believes contributed to the massacre, among them were the “breakdown of the traditional American family,” as well as “transgender, homosexual marriage, and drag queen advocates” and “the culture, which totally ignores the importance of God and the church.”

When Ohio GOP Party Chair Jane Timken called for Keller to step down, saying her comments promoted divisiveness rather than the sorely needed unity after a mass shooting, Keller dug her chunky heels in further.

“Establishment moderates have never been fans of mine because I ran against their endorsement and won,” she tells the Cincinnati Enquirer. “As the only conservative in this race, I will be taking my Senate campaign to the voters to decide.”

Keller is currently running for state Senate, but the party establishment has backed her primary opponent, State Rep. George Lang, R-West Chester township, for the nomination instead of her.

Since her remarks went viral, Keller has become the subject of ridicule on social media.

Don't forget to share:

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock Queerty articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated