Florida state Rep. Jeff Holcomb is under fire over his comment about who really hates the LGBTQ+ community.
In a jaw-dropping moment on the floor of the Florida House of Representatives this week, Holcomb implied that Republicans hate the gay community ― but terrorists hate them even more.
“ISIS, the Taliban and al Qaeda. Those are the folks who discriminate. Our terrorist enemies hate homosexuals more than we do,” Holcomb said Monday.
His comment led to gasps in the audience, while Democratic Rep. Kelly Skidmore’s jaw literally dropped.
Holcomb, who is in the Navy Reserve, was speaking in support of a bill that urges Congress to prohibit “woke social engineering and experimentation” that are “eroding” the military.
He then continued by quoting the Navy creed: “I am committed to excellence and fair treatment of all.”
His remarks were met with disdain online, with some calling it “hate speech.”
Watch the video and some of the reactions below.
Florida GOP Representative Jeff Holcomb says the quiet part out loud on the House floor today.
“Our terrorist enemies hate homosexuals MORE THAN WE DO.”
Audible gasping in the chamber.
And then there’s @RepSkidmore’s reaction. 😲 pic.twitter.com/ukH8EZmqL2
— Carlos Guillermo Smith (@CarlosGSmith) May 2, 2023
Well I expected that from ISIS and the Taliban; I didn't expect that from the Florida GOP legislature. But then I'm not really surprised.
— Stephen Tonnies (@Troy2k) May 2, 2023
That's not acceptable. So far away from acceptable. He's supposed to be part of a country! Not just Floriduh. This country doesn't want what Florida is selling.
— E Diaz. Real name is Theresa Gemdazzleding (@EDiaz61191329) May 2, 2023
Huh… decorum or lack there of. But he will not be censured for hate speech of that there is no doubt. #ZooeyZephyr
— Diane (@realtimewithDL) May 2, 2023
That's hate speech, no denying it!
— E Diaz. Real name is Theresa Gemdazzleding (@EDiaz61191329) May 2, 2023
In other words…”we’re doing great with our level of bigotry and hatred because ISIS actually throws homos off buildings, and at least we aren’t doing that yet.” — Jeff Holcomb, Not ISIS Yet
— Nicole Hodges 🌈🇺🇸🌻 (@nicoleshodges) May 2, 2023
Her reaction really says it all… pic.twitter.com/HJN30U1O1h
— Michael O’Brien, MD 🩺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ (@DrOBrienMD) May 2, 2023
Jackass.
— Save The Truth (@SavRTruthTiger) May 3, 2023
