FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

News from Progress Michigan

September 12, 2022

Contact: Sam Inglot, 616-916-0574, sam@progressmichigan.org

The Michigan Republican Party has a Homophobia Problem

Co-chair Meshawn Maddock’s recent statement is only the latest in a long line of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and actions from the MI GOP

MICHIGAN – In light of Michigan Republican Party Co-Chair Meshawn Maddock’s recent homophobic statement about Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Progress Michigan is calling attention to the blatant bigotry running rampant in the MI GOP.

“The homophobia and bigotry regularly on display from the Michigan Republican Party is a disgusting attack on all LGBTQ+ Michiganders and anyone who believes in equality,” said Lonnie Scott, executive director of Progress Michigan. “It isn’t just about words thrown carelessly around online and disgusting jokes made at the expense of real people just trying to live their lives. The Michigan Republican Party has stood in the way of legislation that would ensure LGBTQ+ Michiganders are treated equally under the law, pushed dangerous disinformation, and held up bigoted viewpoints that result in violence. This is completely unacceptable.” 

The following are only a handful of the many examples of Republican lawmakers taking action to hurt or refusing to take action to help the LGBTQ+ community in Michigan:

  • GOP leadership in the state legislature refused to take up legislation that would have added protections for sexual orientation and gender identity to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. 
  • Senate Republicans refused to take up a resolution recognizing Pride Month when they passed one with the exact same language last year. 
  • Senate Republicans blocked gay appointees to university boards.  
  • Senate Republicans pushed legislation to prevent trans kids from playing sports with their friends and even attempted to tie school funding to this discriminatory and hateful legislation.
  • Lawmakers have given speeches and sent fundraising emails and texts rooted in dangerous disinformation about the LGBTQ+ community and schools. 

The following are only a handful of the many examples of Michigan Republican lawmakers and party leaders spewing hateful rhetoric and dangerous disinformation about the LGBTQ+ community:

State Rep. Steve Carra has treated harmful anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric as a source of humor on multiple occasions. 

State Rep. Beau LaFave has also used anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric as a source of humor. 

The Alcona County Republican Party has posted hateful disinformation about the trans community. 

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