Disturbing Video: The Law Is "Supposed To Discriminate" Against Gays

Florida State Rep. Darryl Rouson says he didn't remember calling gay people immoral during a television program in 2006 or describing them as unfit to adopt children.

DarrylRouson[1].jpgHe did not remember saying this:
"I think it's wrong to allow adoptions of children by gay and lesbian couples."

Or this:
"I still think that there ought to be ways for us to provide a loving environment for children without sending a wrong message to them early, or a message that we have to sit down and try to explain some psychological damage or emotional damage or something later on in life."

Or this one either:
"I think that lesbianism and homosexuality is morally wrong and the law's supposed to discriminate sometimes.

Here's the clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DCaISmos40

His opponent in the August 26th Democratic primary is Rev. Charles McKenzie.

McKenzie, a pro-equality Black Baptist minister, has gained the endorsement of LGBT organizations including Equality Florida Action PAC and the Stonewall Democrats for his longstanding support of anti-discrimination laws and his opposition to Amendment 2, the so-called Marriage Protection Amendment.
(For more info on Charles McKenzie, visit his website: http://www.mckenzie2008.com)

UPDATE:

I spoke with Rep. Rouson about the video several times and he promised to issue a public apology at the NAACP debate with McKenzie last night. He also sent the following statement and I told him I'd include it wherever I posted the video:

Ms. Smith,

l have reviewed the Florida This Week video and I regret my comments. Without giving full explanation, I will say that I should have been more tolerant and less damning on the whole matter of whether Lesbian or gay lifestyle is wrong. I regret that my words caused pain or demonstrated condemnation for fellow human beings.

As far as same sex couples adopting, what i believe is that the paramount issue is a loving household for the child. Children who are in need of adoption should be eligible to receive love whether it is from a heterosexual or same sex couple. I will absolutely support repealing any ban on same sex couple adoptions.

I believe that the matter of gay or lesbian has a theological viewpoint, a political viewpoint and a biological viewpoint. I am not smarter than the preachers, the veteran politicians or the scientists. I will not pretend to substitute my humble and flawed human judgment for theirs. Therefore, I will support civil unions but any sacrament of marriage is a theological issue and it should be sacrosanct to denomination.

I have not taken a position on amendment 2 but i am open to recieving all information. the fact of the matter is i want to build a relationship that bridges gaps between diverse communities without using words that foster hatred and division.

darryl rouson

Blog

October 2010

May 2010

October 2009

July 2009

June 2009

May 2009

April 2009