Wes Goodman has been forced to resign
Wes Goodman is a married, Christian anti-LGBT lawmaker. And on Tuesday he had to resign after being caught having sex with a man – in his own office.
Although outing gay people against their will isn't something to be condoned, Goodman's history of activism is particularly disturbing.
The 33-year-old Republican congressman from Ohio has consistently vocalised support for “a committed natural marriage”, i.e between a man and a woman.
His campaign website, which has now been taken offline, stated that: "Healthy, vibrant, thriving, values-driven families are the source of Ohio's proud history and the key to Ohio's future greatness”.
“The ideals of a loving father and mother, a committed natural marriage…are well worth pursuing and protecting”.
He attempted to block marriage equality in the District of Columbia, and was recently pictured by a sign for Focus on the Family, a listed anti-LGBT hate group.
“Great times with legislators and policy professionals from around the country for a week of trainings and fellowship. @focusonthefamily,” he wrote in the caption.
According to The Columbus Dispatch, someone, reportedly not a staffer, knew of or witnessed Goodman having sex and informed the House Chief of Staff Mike Dittoe.
Goodman resigned the same day.
On Twitter, conservative journalist Caleb Hull added to the allegations. “Wes Goodman, who was just caught having sex with a man in his office, begged me to have sex with him and/or his wife on several occasions while I went to school in Ohio.
Wes Goodman, who was just caught having sex with a man in his office, begged me to have sex with him and/or his wife on several occasions while I went to school in Ohio. pic.twitter.com/ZgTc9VCAIF
— Caleb Hull (@CalebJHull) November 18, 2017
In a statement Goodman acknowledged his actions at his office and said: “We all bring our own struggles and our own trials into public life,” he said.
“That has been true for me, and I sincerely regret that my actions and choices have kept me from serving my constituents and our state in a way that reflects the best ideals of public service.
“For those whom I have let down, I’m sorry,” he continued.
“As I move onto the next chapter of my life, I sincerely ask for privacy for myself, my family, and my friends.”
There is form here: Ranker lists 16 other anti-gay activists who have been outed, from Randy Boehning, who voted against gay rights but was then found on Grindr, to former Washington State Rep. Richard Curtis who used a male escort.