Legislator Defends Comments Some Call Homophobic

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By Kyle Midura

Story Published: Apr 15, 2011 at 7:25 PM MDT

Story Updated: Apr 16, 2011 at 2:28 PM MDT

BILLINGS - A Billings legislator defends comments that some consider homophobic.

State Representative Ken Peterson (R-Billings) voted against Senate Bill 276, which would have removed an outdated Montana law barring homosexual relations. The bill died in the House Judiciary committee chaired by Peterson.

Peterson says the law in question, which was ruled unconstitutional in 1997, still has merits. He says the Montana Supreme Court's decision had a narrow scope limiting prosecution only in private settings.

"I feel the law can still have some potential application," he said Friday, "I don't think it was repealed with the Grayson case, anyone that says it was repealed hasn't read the case and doesn't understand the case."

He says gays and lesbians can and should be prosecuted for overt sexual acts in public, and for "recruiting" members of the straight community.

Explaining his no vote on S.B. 276, he told the Missoula Independent, "homosexuals can't go out into the heterosexual community and try to recruit people, or try to enlist them in homosexual acts."

Asked for an example of that behavior, he's quoted as saying, "'here, young man, your hormones are raging. Let's go in this bedroom, and we'll engage in some homosexual acts. You'll find you like it.'"

His comments regarding the matter made national news. Friday, he told us he stands by them, but says some were taken out of context. Specifically, he said characterizations that kissing in public could lead to prosecution were untrue.

Peterson said he gets along fine with his gay and lesbian colleagues and did not intend to offend the LGBT community with his comments.

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underager said on Saturday, Apr 16 at 8:30 AM

I wish he wasn't my state representative and I wouldn't be surprised to read about his involvement in a non-heterosexual affair.

Savage said on Friday, Apr 15 at 11:13 PM

Why not? Heterosexuals do this ALL THE TIME! He's just a prime example of an antiquated man with antiquated thinking! He says, "gets along fine" with his colleagues, but we know he means "cautiously tolerates" them. Can't be sneakily recruited by them....don't let your guard down...they'll make you a draft pick!

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