Scott Wagner | Photo: Facebook/Scott Wagner
Republican nominee for Pennsylvania governor Scott Wagner made transphobic remarks at a recent town hall.
While speaking with constitutents in Zelienople on Thursday (16 August), Wagner addressed a question about a bathroom bill allowing people to use the restroom that corresponds with their gender identity.
He first began by addressing discrimination in general. He said he ‘did not discriminate’ and further that he believes no one in the room condoned discrimination.
Then, however, he talked about a possible bathroom bill, which he described as a ‘tricky issue’. His comments begin around the 49-minute mark.
Eighth town hall live from Zelienople, PA.
Posted by Scott Wagner on Thursday, August 16, 2018
‘To get it off the table, I would not sign a bathroom bill if it came to my desk, nor would I promote a bathroom bill,’ he began.
Then he gave his unasked for opinion on gender identity.
‘It’s real simple: If you’re born with male plumbing, you use the men’s room. If you’re born with female plumbing, use the ladies’ room. Period.’
Then the room erupted into applause.
‘Caught off-guard’
Wagner made more comments about LGBTI issues at a town hall yesterday (20 August). This time, though, he says he was ‘caught off-guard’.
According to reports, Wagner said at the event he would consider a bill making same-sex marriage illegal in Pennsylvania.
Earlier today, his campaign clarified his stance. Spokesperon Andrew Romeo responded that Wagner would ‘veto any bill that would restrict marriage rights for same-sex couples’.
He further said his candidate was ‘willing to lose the primary to protect the rights of the LGBTQ community’, despite the fact that Wagner already won the primary.
The Human Rights Campaign responded to Wagner’s comments, primarily about a bathroom bill.
‘Scott Wagner’s dangerous remarks show an alarming disregard for fundamental human decency,’ said Chris Sgro, HRC Communications Director.
‘This is the same type of deeply discriminatory propaganda used in North Carolina during the now infamous HB2 fight that inflicted tremendous harm on the state’s people, reputation, and economy. The fair-minded and hardworking people of Pennsylvania deserve better than this from their leaders. It’s critical that voters turn out this November to reject Scott Wagner’s divisive politics and re-elect Governor Tom Wolf — a man who is working tirelessly to ensure every individual is able to work and live free from discrimination and harassment.’
Wolf is the current Democratic governor.
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