WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tennessee Representative Andy Ogles posted a message on social media stating that homosexuality has no place in the United States and then deleted it a few hours after it was published. The post received criticism from other lawmakers.
House Speaker Mike Johnson described the post as untoward. Johnson addressed the incident in remarks to reporters. "We're supposed to love our neighbor as ourselves. We're supposed to treat every single person with dignity and respect, whether we agree with them or not. It's a Christian virtue, it's a biblical virtue, it's also an American virtue," Johnson said.
Representative Ogles attributed the post to a staff member who was reprimanded. Ogles stated that he removed the post after learning of its publication. Ogles addressed the post, stating, "The post is stupid, hurtful and a complete distraction from my America First focus."
New York Representative Mike Lawler said, "Saying that homosexuals have no place in America is idiotic, but it's also not reality. There's other statements on his Twitter account that I'm sure people find offensive. But in this particular instance, I felt it was important to push back."
Michigan Representative Shri Thanedar filed a resolution to censure Ogles and remove him from the Homeland Security Committee. The resolution filed by Thanedar has not been brought to the House floor for a vote. The censure resolution would formally disapprove of Ogles' conduct if passed by the full House.
Former New York Representative George Santos publicly responded to the post. Wisconsin Representative Mark Pocan characterized Ogles as part of a new wave of Republican lawmakers who lack a filtering system for public statements. New Hampshire Representative Chris Pappas stated that Congressional members and staff must respect differences and allow individuals to be themselves.