Libertarian Party Chair calls Agema´s words, ‘sickening and reprehensible’
(Troy, Mich.)-Libertarian Party of Michigan (LPM) chairwoman, Denee Rockman-Moon, has called former state representative Dave Agema’s citing of a study that blames LGBT people for the spread of AIDS, calling them “pedophiles” and “filthy,” “Sickening and reprehensible.”
“While we recognize Mr. Agema’s right to free speech, he must recognize the right of individuals to rebuke and condemn statements made by public figures. His comments are unacceptable, sickening, and reprehensible. The LPM condemns Mr. Agema’s statements and spreading of hatred and misinformation,” said Rockman-Moon.
Agema, currently a committeeman for the GOP National Committee, has been unapologetic and defiant regarding the calls for his resignation. Calls have been coming from both other major parties. Democrats, as well as several Republican groups, have called on him to resign.
“This is an internal issue for the Republicans to resolve. While we [the LPM] are of the position that he [Agema] should do the right thing by resigning, that is for Mr. Agema to decide to do the right thing by resigning. The GOP, however, must ask itself if wants or needs to continue having homophobic people leading their party,” Rockman-Moon says.
This year’s LPM state convention (June 15th) will be held in Grand Rapids, the neighboring community of Grandville, MI-the district Agema once represented.
“Our party has been growing exponentially in the Grand Rapids area. This June, Mr. Agema will see Michigan’s future meeting right next door. He will see that Michigan’s future is not hate-filled voters or leaders; but instead, those who embrace liberty, freedom and equality,” Rockman-Moon said.