Follow-up: Marston apologizes for anti-LGBTQ remark

A Manchester Republican who referred to LGBTQ people as having a “deviant sexuality” in a hearing last week has apologized, saying he had taken time for reflection and was on a “path to redemption.”

“During the executive session on HB 238, I used inappropriate language when referencing the LGBTQ+ community,” Rep. Dick Marston wrote. “It was never my intention to offend anyone. Due to my lack of education on this subject, I hurt a lot of people including members of the legislative body and members of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee.”

Marston, a Manchester Republican, made the derogatory comments, near the end of eight hours of hearings and voting by the Criminal Justice committee.

The committee was about to vote on whether to recommend House Bill 238, which would ban the “gay panic defense.” The bill would bar defendants in manslaughter cases from using a victim’s sexuality or gender identity as a way to explain their behavior and diminish their punishment.

Read more: https://www.concordmonitor.com/Manchester-House-representative-Dick-Marston-apologizes-LGBTQ-comments-deviant-sexuality-39247791

Earlier thread:
State lawmaker refers to LGBTQ people as having "deviant sexuality" during hearing
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10651336