Governor Perry to gay Texan veterans returning from Iraq: "Move out of Texas!"

Oh No You Did NOT Say That

Governor Perry to gay Texan veterans returning from Iraq: "Get your faggoty asses out of Texas."

Read the full LGRL Press Release after the jump. Call the governor and tell him what you think about that. Damn, Kathy you totally suck at your job.

June 7, 2005 Contact: Randall Ellis
For Immediate Release

GOVERNOR SHOULD APOLOGIZE FOR ATTACK ON VETERANS PERRY SAYS GROUP OF VETERANS SHOULD LEAVE TEXAS

Austin—Today the Lesbian & Gay Rights Lobby of Texas (LGRL) called on Governor Rick Perry to apologize to gay veterans returning from Iraq for suggesting that they leave Texas.

Hiding his failures behind people of faith, Governor Rick Perry used a bill-signing as a public relations stunt at a Fort Worth church on Sunday to divert attention from his failed leadership on school finance and tax relief. Perry used the event to tout his support of the proposed amendment to the Texas State Constitution that would single out same-sex couples for discrimination.

According to Forth Worth Star Telegram reporter Bud Kennedy, Perry was asked in a news conference how he would tell Texas gay and lesbian war veterans that they cannot come home from war in Iraq and get married.

Rick Perry: “Texans made a decision about marriage and if there’s a state that has more lenient views than Texas, then maybe that’s a better place for them to live.” (empahsis added)

Budd Kennedy, Perry’s Team Makes It’s Political Pitch, Fort Worth Star Telegram, June 7, 2005.

Gov. Perry made the statement at a bill signing Sunday, according to the local NBC news.

“It is outrageous that the Governor would ask a group of veterans to leave Texas,” said Randall Ellis, LGRL Executive Director. “Real Texans honor the sacrifice and service of all our veterans. If Rick Perry will attack those who are fighting and bleeding for our country in Iraq for his own political reasons, then who is next?”

“This Governor prevented funding for nursing home care in Texas where many poor World War II veterans surely receive care,” said Bill James, a Purple Heart veteran of the Viet Nam War who served in as a rifleman in the Marine Corps. “Is Rick Perry going to suggest next that they leave the state because honoring our commitment to them is inconvenient? Perry has chosen the very dark path of hate and division in order to cover up his failed leadership.”

“Rick Perry should apologize to all veterans for suggesting that Texas does not honor their service,” said Randall Ellis. “When injured soldiers are coming home everyday from Iraq, we should honor everyone’s service to our state and country, not judge them and tell them to get out.”

PinkDome.com: June 2005 Archives