If these idiots really want to go there…
Michigan state representative Josh Schriver brazenly reminded the nation that he’s a Republican by declaring this week on X that the U.S. should “make gay marriage illegal again.” He went a bizarre step further, insisting that his position is “not remotely controversial, nor extreme.” In the meantime, a recent Gallup poll shows that 69% of Americans support same-sex marriage—including 46% of Republicans. Schriver’s homophobic, out-of-touch comment telegraphs what will no doubt be more calls to reverse civil rights advances once Republicans gain more power in January.
Two years ago, Supreme Court Justice wrote in his concurring opinion in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, that Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark case that legalized same-sex marriage, should be revisited. Thomas labeled these cases as “demonstrably erroneous,” signaling the Republican Party’s eagerness to attack hard-won rights when given the opportunity.
Indeed, with Donald Trump soon returning to the White House and Republicans set to control both the House and Senate next month, the GOP feels emboldened, acting as if they have a mandate despite data that says otherwise. Schriver’s post is a preview of what we can expect from Republicans across the country as they try to roll back rights in favor of imposing “traditional values.”
Dana Nessel, the Attorney General of Schriver’s state, who has been married to her wife since 2015, responded swiftly to his insulting post. “Please explain how dissolving my marriage, or that of other same-sex couples living in America, provides a benefit to your constituents or anyone else,” she wrote. “You’re not interested in helping Michiganders. You want only to hurt those you hate.”
As we head into 2025, Americans need to pay attention to what is certain to become increasingly ugly rhetoric from Republican lawmakers as they attempt to dismantle rights and chip away at dignity using their new power. This is about more than just marriage equality; it’s about how the GOP is eager to roll back civil rights no matter what the polls say Americans want. Schriver’s post is an ominous insight into what is at stake and what the Republican Party will try to “accomplish” over the next four years.
Ron Leshnower is a lawyer and the author of several books, including President Trump’s Month