Rep. Andy Ogles Deletes Anti-Gay Post, Blames Staffer After Backlash
7 verified6 unconfirmed1 contested
Rep. Andy Ogles, a Tennessee Republican, deleted a post from his official congressional X account on Tuesday that stated “Homosexuality has no place in America. Happy Nuclear Family Month.” The post drew immediate criticism from both Democrats and some fellow Republicans. Ogles later said the post was written by a staff member, described it as “stupid, hurtful,” and stated the employee had been reprimanded. Rep. Mike Lawler, a New York Republican, publicly called the comment “idiotic” and “offensive.” Other Republican lawmakers and Democrats also denounced the statement. This is not the first time Ogles has faced backlash for inflammatory remarks; he made a similar declaration in March that “Muslims don’t belong in American society.” The incident comes at the start of Pride Month, though that contextual detail appeared in only one report.
What’s verified
Rep. Andy Ogles posted “Homosexuality has no place in America. Happy Nuclear Family Month.” on his official congressional X account.
He deleted the post hours later following public backlash.
Ogles blamed a staff member for the post, called it “stupid, hurtful,” and said the employee was reprimanded.
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) publicly criticized the post, calling it “idiotic” and “offensive.”
Several other Republican lawmakers condemned the post.
Democrats criticized the post.
Ogles previously made a similar inflammatory remark in March declaring that “Muslims don’t belong in American society.”
Where accounts differ
One source reported that House Speaker Mike Johnson did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the post. Another source reported that Johnson called the post “untoward” and stated, “We’re supposed to love our neighbor as ourselves … treat every single person with dignity and respect, whether we agree with them or not.”
Not yet confirmed
Only one source mentioned that the incident occurred at the beginning of Pride Month.
Only one source reported specific Democratic lawmakers Rep. Katherine Clark and Rep. Shri Thanedar rebutting the post.
Only one source reported that Rep. Tim Burchett said, “It’s not Congress’ business to be in anybody’s bedroom.”
Only one source reported that former Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) responded to the post.
Only one source reported polling data showing a decline in Republican support for same-sex marriage.
The name of the staff member who posted the comment has not been disclosed.
Key figures
Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.)
Sources: NBC News, rollcall.com
