US politician Robert Foster is running to be the next Governor of Mississippi. The Republican representative hit the headlines this week when he turned down an interview request from a female reporter because he has a strict rule that he’s never alone with any woman who is not his wife.
In a new interview with CNN Foster explains why he would be happy to do an interview with a male reporter, or even a gay male reporter, but female journalists, even if they are lesbians, are not allowed to be alone with him unless a man accompanies them.
Foster turned down a request from Mississippi today reporter Larrison Campbell to join him for a ride along during his campaign. The reporter was told she would only be granted access if she was accompanies at all times by a male colleague.
The reason is Foster’s strict adherence to the ‘Billy Graham Rule’ – a practice by the late evangelist preacher who vowed to never be left alone with any woman except his wife, to ensure he was never accused of sexually inappropriate behaviour.
After Foster turned down the reporters request, it was pointed out that she’s actually gay, but he said his rule still stands. He would however be okay with a gay male reporter being along with him.
Speaking to CNN Foster tried to explain the distinction in his decision making process. He explains that people wouldn’t know that a reporter is gay because people don’t look gay. He says that because everyone knows he’s heterosexual they might assume that something is going on with a female reporter, but not a male reporter.
Foster says in today’s society its not unusual for men to be concerned about being left alone with women, and highlights that US Vice President Mike Pence also follows the practice.
The politicians tells CNN’s Micheal Smerconish that the majority of people in Mississippi support the approach he has to women.
“Many successful business people, both men and women, practice the rule of not being alone in a closed door room with a member of the opposite sex, or riding alone in a vehicle with a person of the opposite sex, because it’s not professional in my personal opinion.” Foster said.
The gubernatorial candidate said he had made a vow to his wife, and it part of his faith that needed to be respected.
OIP Staff
