Latest In

Breaking News

GOP Iowa Senator: ‘Absurd’ to claim homosexuality is a public health threat like second-hand smoke

Although U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann is scheduled to make two appearances Monday on behalf of The Family Leader , one of her key supporters, Iowa Sen.

Jul 31, 2020
12.2K Shares
763.6K Views
MahurinPointing_Thumb1_661.jpg
MahurinPointing_Thumb1_661.jpg
Although U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmannis scheduled to make two appearances Monday on behalf of The Family Leader, one of her key supporters, Iowa Sen. Kent Sorenson, says that claims made by one of the organization’s umbrella groups that homosexuality is a worse public health threat than second-hand smoke are “absurd.”
Sorenson, a local favorite with the tea party movement, has made clear that he’ll be supporting Bachmannif she decides to enter the 2012 presidential fray. An anonymous source has also told CNN that Sorenson would “likely be hired” as Bachmann’s state political director.
Speaking with ThinkProgress, Sorenson, an Indianola Republican who is not a stranger to controversial beliefs, stated flatly that arguments pairing the public health risks of homosexuality to second-hand smoking are “absurd.”
Watch the exchange:
While Sorenson was only expressing his personal views on the topic, and not acting as a spokesman for Bachmann, the exchange remains significant.
In February, Bob Vander Plaats— the man at the helm of The Family Leader — attempted to distance himself from an anti-gay seminar series hosted by the Iowa Family Policy Center, a socially conservative group that falls under the umbrella of The Family Leader. Links promoting the seminars, “The Second-Hand Effects of Same-Sex ‘Marriage’” were removed from The Family Leader website, and Vander Plaats publicly indicatedsuch sessions were completed well before he was hired to lead the political action arm of the organizations.
Although Vander Plaats was adamant that he and The Family Leader organization had no role in the seminar series, which is still being advertised online, he never indicated during the previous exchange if he personally believed that homosexuality and same-sex marriage were as much of a public health threat as second-hand smoke. That changed late last week when ThinkProgress released a taped exchange with Vander Plaatswhere he appears to embrace the claims made on the “second-hand effects” site that homosexuality is a curable public health risk.
Monday, at stops in Pella and Iowa City, Bachmann will be appearing on behalf of The Family Leader as part of the organization’s “Presidential Lecture Series.”
Camilo Wood

Camilo Wood

Reviewer
Camilo Wood has over two decades of experience as a writer and journalist, specializing in finance and economics. With a degree in Economics and a background in financial research and analysis, Camilo brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his writing. Throughout his career, Camilo has contributed to numerous publications, covering a wide range of topics such as global economic trends, investment strategies, and market analysis. His articles are recognized for their insightful analysis and clear explanations, making complex financial concepts accessible to readers. Camilo's experience includes working in roles related to financial reporting, analysis, and commentary, allowing him to provide readers with accurate and trustworthy information. His dedication to journalistic integrity and commitment to delivering high-quality content make him a trusted voice in the fields of finance and journalism.
Latest Articles
Popular Articles