A Michigan legislator is apologizing for a comment some say was derogatory toward homosexuals.

GOP Rep. Al Pscholka of Stevensville made the remark on the Housefloor Wednesday in support of bills that would eliminate a requirement that people installing, making or repairing a residential chair lift be licensed elevator contractors.

He said that even California -- "the land of fruits and nuts" -- has deregulated the industry.

"It's a play on words, but everybody knows it's just a derogatory term to refer to gay people as fruits," said state Rep. Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield, one of two openly gay members who were elected last fall.

That's according to MLive.com.

"It was written on papers in front of him. He was reading them. He though it was funny and gave a feigned apology (on the floor). This was a planned joke at the expense of gay people."

Some Democratic House members took to Twitter to call the comment "derogatory" and "classless."

Pscholka says the comment was intended to be "jocular and not derogatory."