Republican Congressman Andy Ogles has deleted a controversial social media post criticizing homosexuality after facing sharp criticism from both Democrats and fellow Republicans.
The now-deleted message, posted from Ogles’ official congressional X account at the start of Pride Month, stated: “Homosexuality has no place in America. Happy Nuclear Family Month.” The post quickly sparked widespread condemnation across the political spectrum.
Following the backlash, Ogles claimed that a member of his communications team was responsible for publishing the message. In a follow-up statement, he described the post as “stupid” and “hurtful,” adding that it distracted from his political priorities. He also said the employee involved had been reprimanded.
Among the most vocal critics was Mike Lawler, a fellow Republican, who publicly denounced the statement as “idiotic.” Lawler argued that gay and lesbian Americans are an integral part of communities across the country and should not be treated as less worthy citizens. He later revealed that he had also privately expressed his displeasure to Ogles.
The criticism extended beyond the House of Representatives. Ted Cruz responded to questions about the controversy by noting that homosexuality has existed throughout recorded history and emphasizing that the behavior of consenting adults is their own business.
Democratic lawmakers also strongly condemned the post. Katherine Clark said that bigotry has no place in America, while Shri Thanedar described the statement as “horrific and disgusting,” praising the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to American society.
The controversy is not the first involving Ogles. Earlier in 2026, the Tennessee lawmaker faced criticism for comments regarding Muslims in America, remarks that also generated bipartisan opposition.
The incident comes amid changing public opinion within the Republican Party regarding same-sex relationships and marriage. Recent polling suggests support among Republicans for recognizing same-sex marriages has declined compared with previous years, reflecting ongoing debates over social and cultural issues within the party.
Despite Ogles’ explanation and deletion of the post, the controversy has renewed discussions about political rhetoric, LGBTQ+ rights, and the role of elected officials in shaping public discourse during Pride Month.
