Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) deleted a social media post stating 'Homosexuality has no place in America' after bipartisan backlash. The post, made during LGBT Pride Month, was attributed to a staff member who was later reprimanded. Ogles called the post 'stupid, hurtful, and a complete distraction.'
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), a devout Southern Baptist, condemned the post as 'untoward' but emphasized the importance of treating all individuals with dignity. 'We’re supposed to love our neighbor as ourselves,' Johnson said, citing biblical and American values. He praised Ogles for removing the post but did not discuss the matter directly with him.
The post drew criticism from fellow Republicans, including Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), who called it 'an absolutely idiotic statement.' Lawler and former Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), who is openly gay, condemned the rhetoric. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) accused Ogles of divisive rhetoric aimed at appealing to the MAGA base.
Ogles, a MAGA-hardliner, has previously supported policies rolling back LGBT-friendly initiatives, including legislation to strip federal funding from transgender surgeries. He also faced backlash in 2025 for posting that 'Muslims don’t belong in American society.'
The controversy comes as Ogles seeks reelection, facing a primary challenge from former Tennessee agriculture chief Charlie Hatcher, who has out-fundraised him. Ogles has historically won elections despite fundraising struggles, backed by former President Trump.