- GOP Congressman Andy Ogles faced backlash after a homophobic message stating “homosexuality has no place in America” was shared on his social media account shortly after Pride Month began.
- The Tennessee Republican later deleted the post and attributed the “stupid, hurtful” message to a member of his communications team, who he stated had been reprimanded.
- Ogles stopped short of apologizing for the post's content, instead blaming the staffer for distracting from his “America First focus.”
- The congressman received fierce criticism for the post, including from fellow Republicans such as New York Rep. Mike Lawler, who called the statement “absolutely idiotic.”
- Lawler emphasized that gay and lesbian individuals are Americans and are not “less than” or “unworthy” due to their sexual orientation.
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