MONTGOMERY, Alabama --- Equality Alabama, which advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, has written an open letter to U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Saks, accusing him of making homophobic remarks to a realtors group in Montgomery.
The Alabama Association of Realtors also issued a statement saying that Rogers made inappropriate comments during the appearance before hundreds of realtors on Jan. 23.
"At the Board of Directors meeting this morning one of our speakers made some remarks that were inappropriate and offensive to some of our members," the statement said. "Those remarks are not reflective of AAR or our policies. Moving forward we will endeavor to prevent such inappropriate remarks at our events or meetings."
Barry Mask, executive director of the realtors association, declined any additional comment.
In the open letter to Rogers, Equality Alabama Chairman Ben Cooper wrote, "when you marginalize our community, we will not be silent."
"You allegedly joked about how nice it was to be called 'Honey' and 'Sweetie' by a woman at an Alabama restaurant rather than a D.C. men's room," Cooper wrote. "And you went on to mock our nation's capitol as a 'cross between Detroit and San Francisco' — an obvious reference to Detroit's racial makeup and San Francisco's vibrant gay culture. Comments like these are racist, homophobic, and hurtful, and they will not be tolerated."
Equality Alabama Open Letter to Rep. Mike Rogers.pdf
Cooper notes in the open letter to Rogers that the realtors association amended its code of ethics in 2010 to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation.
“So in shunning our constituents, you disrespected the very organization and its members to whom you were speaking," Cooper wrote.
Cooper closed the letter by inviting Rogers to a Feb. 16 Vigil for Victims of Hate and Violence at the State Capitol. This month marks the 15th anniversary of the brutal murder of Billy Jack Gaither of Sylacauga, who was beaten to death and set on fire because he was gay.
"I invite you to join us at the Vigil to learn about the challenges facing LGBT Alabamians -- your district is home to many, by the way -- and to engage in a conversation with our leadership about how to be a better steward of your office for all Alabamians," Cooper wrote.
Rogers' office did not respond to calls and emails seeking comment for this story.