Anti-gay married Republican resigns after being caught having gay sex in his office
Wes Goodman (Wes Goodman/Facebook)
A married Republican lawmaker with a long history of campaigning against LGBT rights has resigned after being caught having gay sex in his office.
Wes Goodman, a congressman from Ohio, has trumpeted his support for “a committed natural marriage,” which he defined as a heterosexual union – of course.
On his now-defunct campaign website, the 33-year-old wrote about “healthy, vibrant, thriving, values-driven families” being “the key to Ohio’s future greatness.
(Facebook/wes goodman)
“The ideals of a loving father and mother, a committed natural marriage…are well worth pursuing and protecting,” he added.
Goodman, who is also anti-abortion and pro-guns – as a member of the Buckeye Firearms Association and National Rifle Association – has admitted he had consensual sex with a man in his Ohio office.
Three weeks ago, Goodman posted a picture on his now-locked Instagram account of himself by a sign for Focus on the Family, a listed anti-LGBT hate group.
The group has a history of extreme comments, with its leader James Dobson claiming the 2012 massacre of innocent children at Sandy Hook Elementary School was “God’s judgment” for the acceptance of gay marriage.
It has also claimed that the “primary goal” of the gay rights movement is to legalise paedophilia, that homosexuality is a curable mental condition and that public schools are being used to groom children “barely out of babyhood” into gay lifestyles.
In his caption, Goodman wrote that he was at “the Statesmen Academy of the Family Policy Foundation at Focus on the Family.
“Great times with legislators and policy professionals from around the country for a week of trainings and fellowship. @focusonthefamily,” he added.
(Instagram/wes goodman)
On its website, the Family Policy Foundation states that it intends to create “stronger pro-family candidates”.
Goodman, who defined himself on Twitter as “Christian. American. Conservative. Republican” before he locked his account, has apologised for his actions.
“We all bring our own struggles and our own trials into public life,” he said.
“That has been true for me, and I sincerely regret that my actions and choices have kept me from serving my constituents and our state in a way that reflects the best ideals of public service.
The current Republican President in Ohio (Getty)
“For those whom I have let down, I’m sorry,” he continued.
“As I move onto the next chapter of my life, I sincerely ask for privacy for myself, my family, and my friends.”
House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger said Goodman’s sexual encounter constituted “inappropriate behaviour”.
“I met with him later in the day where he acknowledged and confirmed the allegations,” he added.
“It became clear that his resignation was the most appropriate course of action for him, his family, the constituents of the 87th House District and this institution.”
