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Gay Groups React to Foley Scandal
by Peter Cassels, EDGE National News
Editor Tuesday, October 3, 2006
Former Congressman Ma
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Former
Congressman Mark Foley addresses media in 2003.
(Source:AP/Lawrence Jackson ) |
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Several national
gay organizations have reacted to the controversy over the Sept. 29 resignation
of Congressman Mark Foley, R-Fla., following revelations that he sent
questionable e-mails and instant messages to male congressional pages.
The National Gay and Lesbian Task
Force on Oct. 3 issued a statement criticizing some Republicans for inferring
that Foley’s sexual orientation --he has not come out publicly as gay -- is to
blame for the scandal.
"Given similar past sordid situations in the page program perpetrated by male
members of Congress against female pages, it’s absurd to blame the Foley
spectacle on his being gay, closeted or otherwise," NGLTF Executive Director
Matt Foreman said. "Given the fact that the current Republican leadership
in the House has never hesitated to attack gay people, it’s even more absurd for
people like Newt Gingrich to say the reason they didn’t take prompt action was
because they didn’t want to be accused of ’gay bashing.’ Cut me a break.
"What’s clear is that the House leadership elevated holding onto a seat above
the interests of young people in the page system. And they want to talk about
’moral values’? Please."
The NGLTF statement referred to an Oct. 1 interview with former House Speaker
Newt Gingrich on Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace. Asked why top
Republican House leaders said nothing despite knowing for months that
Congressman Foley had sent inappropriate e-mails to at least one teenage page,
Gingrich replied, "I think, had they overly aggressively reacted to the initial
round, they would have also been accused of gay bashing."
Quoted in an Oct. 3 story on CNSNews.com, the head of the ultra-conservative
organization Family Research Council also referred to Foley’s alleged sexual
orientation. President Tony Perkins said, "[The House GOP leadership] discounted
or downplayed earlier reports concerning Foley’s behavior-probably because they
did not want to appear ’homophobic.’ The Foley scandal shows what happens
when political correctness is put ahead of protecting children."
In statements, the Human Rights Campaign and the Log Cabin Republicans, the
organization of gay party members, condemned Foley for his conduct.
"Gay or straight, Democrat or Republican, it is completely inexcusable for an
adult to have this kind of communication with a minor," HRC President Joe
Solmonese said in a statement provided to EDGE. "Congressman Foley brought
shame on himself and this Congress by his horrible behavior and complete lack of
judgment. We strongly condemn his behavior."
In a further statement issued late on the afternoon of Oct. 3, Solmonese also
said, "If the Republican leadership cared about the well-being of our country
they would level with the American people and call this what it is, inexcusable
behavior that has nothing to do with one’s sexual orientation."
On Oct. 2, Log Cabin Executive Vice-President Patrick Sammon called for
investigations of Foley. "Mark Foley’s shameful actions were
reprehensible," Sammon’s statement said. "He abused the power of his
office, violated the trust of the voters, and exploited young people.
"There should be a thorough criminal investigation by appropriate law
enforcement agencies. If Mark Foley broke the law, he should be prosecuted
to the full extent of the law.
"Additionally, there should be a full investigation to see if Congressional
leaders responded appropriately to Foley’s behavior. This unfortunate and
inappropriate situation shouldn’t be unduly politicized.
"Preying on young people is shameful, immoral, unethical and illegal, regardless
of sexual orientation."
The National Stonewall Democrats, the organization of gay party members, accused
the House Republican leadership of dragging their heels on investigating Foley.
"They certainly are not leading on it," spokesperson John Marble told EDGE.
"They don’t seem to be in a hurry to learn what’s going on or to protect the
children under its care in the page system. I would say that any
appropriate investigation should be taken. Whether or not it’s criminal,
the House leadership should be investigating it as well."
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