GOP rep rails against gay marriage ‘plaguing’ society in speech on House floor
Virginia Congressman labelled a ‘bigot’ for claiming failure to follow God’s law is to blame for ‘nearly everything’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Republican lawmaker who suggested gay marriage was part of a “plague” affecting society during a speech on the House floor has sparked a fierce backlash on social media.
Rep Bob Good, of Virginia, made the biblical reference during a debate on Tuesday on new anti-domestic violence legislation.
“Nearly everything that plagues our society can be attributed to a failure to follow God’s law and his rules for and definition of marriage and family.”
While opposing a domestic violence prevention bill, a Republican claims nearly everything that “plagues our society” is a result of failing to follow “god’s rules for and definition of marriage” pic.twitter.com/z4ktzEpx8m
— Acyn (@Acyn) October 26, 2021
He went on to attack the bill’s gender identity provisions, claiming they would “coerce faith-based providers… to violate their deeply held beliefs or stop their work altogether”.
The Independent has contacted Mr Good’s office for comment.
The remarks drew a stinging response online.
“Not only is this completely false Rep Bob Good, this is grossly insulting to all survivors and victims of domestic abuse,” The Secular Coalition for America tweeted.
Not only is this completely false @RepBobGood, this is grossly insulting to all survivors and victims of domestic abuse. https://t.co/4eKrbmNcs5
— Secular Coalition for America (@seculardotorg) October 26, 2021
Author Hemant Mehta wrote it was “especially ironic” as Mr Good had previously worked as a fundraiser for Liberty University’s athletics programme.
“That’s Liberty U., the school known for following God’s rules... and for repeatedly ignoring/dismissing claims of sexual assault by female students.”
This is especially ironic since Bob Good previously worked as a fundraiser for Liberty University’s athletics program.
— Hemant Mehta (@hemantmehta) October 26, 2021
That's Liberty U., the school known for following God's rules... and for repeatedly ignoring/dismissing claims of sexual assault by female students. https://t.co/KRrYTeIAoZ
One person asked how Mr Good explained supporting former President Donald Trump, “who personifies everything that the Bible teaches to reject like Greed, Indifference, lying, Cheating, Adultery & betrayal.”
Another wrote that Mr Good was a “judgemental bigot who thinks religion has a role in politics to exclude and judge large portions of our society”.
While his opponent in the 2020 race for Virginia’s 5th Congressional district, Denver Wriggleman, wrote: “What plagues our society are idiots.”
Sadly, this is Good's bread and butter.
— Dan King (@Kinger_DC) October 26, 2021
His entire primary campaign was a homophobic crusade to unseat Denver Riggleman for officiating a gay wedding.
The Virginia GOP even censured Denver over it ... in the year 2020! https://t.co/OH4Ucs1Bah
Mr Good, who states he ran as a “Biblical and constitutional conservative”, has been an outspoken supporter of Mr Trump, and voted to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.
In a statement to The Independent, Mr Good said he opposed the anti-domestic violence bill HR2219 because it would require “faith-based providers to accept views on sexual orientation and gender identity that violate their deeply held beliefs”.
“I believe in God’s definition of marriage without apology, and I will continue to oppose any effort to further undermine timeless truths regarding gender and life,” he said.
“Democrats would rather a Christian shelter not serve victims, than continue to hold religious views that do not align with their agenda.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments