The 2010 midterm turnover of the NC legislature finds it now under GOP control for the first time since Reconstruction. Predictably this has produced a raft of bigots going right for the throats of the LGBT community.
Right off the bat, there is talk about cutting funding for HIV/AIDS and pushing a marriage amendment, which has been killed repeatedly in committee when the general assembly was under the control of the democrats.
In an interview with the Winston-Salem Journal, North Carolina State Representative Larry Brown is reported as saying that he’s not trying to say how people should lead their lives. However, he said it is a higher priority to treat people who have diseases “with no fault of their own.” Brown said, “I’m not opposed to helping a child born with HIV or something, but I don’t condone spending taxpayers’ money to help people living in perverted lifestyles.” Brown continued, “I think people with HIV have legitimate fears and probably need support, but when it comes down to priorities, my priorities would be in other directions.”
Brown drew criticism in October for an e-mail he sent to other state Republican lawmakers in which he used disparaging language about LGBT people. After lawmakers were told about a legislative leadership award being given to then-House Speaker Joe Hackney, Brown sent an e-mail to House Minority Leader Paul Stam saying, “I hope all the queers are thrilled to see him. I am sure there will be a couple of legislative fruit loops there in the audience.”
Brown is not alone when it comes to bigotry. The Republicans cannot wait to put a marriage amendment on the table in North Carolina. Expect National Organization for Marriage to pour money into the effort.
HRC President Joe Solmonese responded to Brown’s comments by saying, “Representative Brown’s ill-informed comments are not only hateful rhetoric, but they are also extremely dangerous. Hysterical, judgmental and inaccurate statements like Brown’s create an environment that prevents many from getting tested and seeking treatment, thereby furthering the spread of HIV and AIDS. Larry Brown’s conduct reflects poorly on his constituents and other elected officials. The people of North Carolina deserve better.”
Solmonese added, “Larry Brown’s views are out of line with the fair-minded people of North Carolina. Sadly, he won a fourth term in November unopposed. Expressions of such bigotry and ignorance have no place in the North Carolina Legislature.”
