This week read about a candidate claiming Gov. Jared Polis is straight and an abuser, and a photographer's case losing against anti-discrimination laws in New York.
Republican Candidate Claims Gay Governor is Straight, Abuser
Colorado’s governor, Jared Polis, was first elected in 2018 and hailed as the nation’s first openly gay governor. On Dec. 13, one of his Republican opponents, Danielle Neuschwanger, made a statement alleging that Polis “is not gay” and that his recent marriage “is a sham.”
Neuschwanger is a Republican candidate for Colorado governor and was recorded making these claims at a campaign meet-and-greet event. An attendee for the event provided the audio recording of Neuschwanger’s remarks, the Colorado Times reported.
During her monologue, she mentioned government secrets about JFK’s assassination, a candidate who is advocating to “ban the gays” and gay adoption, lawsuits against states for mandates, and more. In the end, she stated that Polis is “not even gay” and that he was once married to a woman whom he abused.
She later told the Colorado Times that she stands by her statements.
“As I mentioned, I have never been in politics and didn’t know any of this information, never even thought to ever ask these types of questions until I started campaigning,” Neuschwanger said.
Polis’ office declined to comment.
Photographer Loses Case Against Anti-Discrimination Laws
The Supreme Court. Credit: Joe Ravi, Wikimedia
In April, Emilee Carpenter filed a federal lawsuit in New York over the state’s anti-discrimination laws. On Dec. 13, the court dismissed the case filed by the Christian photographer.
Carpenter refused to photograph a same-sex wedding. She argued that New York’s laws put her in the position of either going against her faith or facing up to $100,000 in fines, according to NBC.
“The Court is not persuaded,” said U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr., who dismissed the case.
Geraci’s ruling said that not applying the anti-discrimination laws, “would 'relegate [same-sex couples] to an inferior market' than that enjoyed by the public at large.”
A religious, non-profit group — the Alliance Defending Freedom — argued in favor of Carpenter and requested that the Supreme Court take the case.
However, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) applauded the court’s decision. Sarah Kate Ellis, the president and CEO of GLAAD, said, “Non-discrimination laws protect every citizen and send a signal that all are welcome, and that’s good for business.”
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