1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am furious that a sitting member of Congress felt comfortable publicly declaring that homosexuality has "no place in America." That statement is hateful, divisive, and completely unworthy of someone elected to represent the American people. America belongs to all Americans. LGBTQ Americans pay taxes, serve in our military, raise families, run businesses, teach our children, and contribute to their communities every day. No elected official has the right to decide that an entire group of citizens somehow has "no place" in the country they call home. What concerns me almost as much as the statement itself is the silence from those who are unwilling to condemn it. When hate is excused, ignored, or treated as politics as usual, it sends a message that discrimination is acceptable as long as it comes from the right person. I expect my elected representatives to speak up when a member of Congress attacks fellow Americans. If you believe all citizens deserve equal dignity and respect, then say so publicly. If you believe this rhetoric is wrong, then condemn it publicly. If you remain silent, voters are left to draw their own conclusions. I am paying attention. Many of us are paying attention. We are watching who stands up for their constituents and who chooses political convenience over basic decency. This is not something I will forget by Election Day. When I cast my ballot in November, I will remember who spoke out against this kind of hate and who stayed quiet while it happened. I expect a response explaining your position.