Lawmakers Fight Back Against Local Delegate's Anti-Gay Remarks

Delegates Adam Ebbin and David Englin, who represent Alexandria in the Virginia Assembly, on Friday afternoon issued statements condemning anti-homosexual remarks made by Prince William County Del. Bob Marshall (R-13).

"Homosexual behavior...undermines the American economy...shortens lives, adds significantly to illness, increases health costs, promotes venereal diseases and worsens the population imbalance relating to the number of workers supporting the beneficiaries of America's Social Security and Medicare Programs," according to Marshall.

Marshall's remarks were made in response to the Richmond Federal Reserve flying a rainbow flag to honor its lesbian gay Bisexual and transgender employees during June, which President Obama has officially proclaimed as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Month. Englin highlighted Marshall's remarks with a call for supporters to donate money to Englin's campaign to fight anti-gay sentiments.

Ebbin said in a statement: “Sadly, it’s no shock to learn that Bob Marshall has once again attacked the dignity of Virginia’s LGBT population. That he would attack the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond for flying a flag that promotes equality, tolerance and acceptance tells us all we need to know about Delegate Marshall’s priorities. Across the Commonwealth, LGBT Virginians, their friends and their families are celebrating this week as the start of a month where we express pride in who we are and what we have accomplished as a community."