A US politician has sparked outrage by suggesting that there is a distinction between gay people and human beings.

In Missouri Republican member Rick Brattin was arguing against an amendment for Senate Bill 43 to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in matters of employment, housing or public accommodation.

The lawmaker argued that the bill would limit religious freedom’s and said the bible and the Qur’an clearly showed that there was a distinction between homosexuality and being a human being.

“When you look at the tenets of religion, of the Bible, of the Qur’an, of other religions, there is a distinction between homosexuality and just being a human being.” Brattin said.

Describing transgender people as “cross-dressers” the Republican politician said businesses needed to be able to stop people from working in their companies.

“You have a policy in place that you don’t want someone to show up that was a guy yesterday to show up as a girl today and you believe that’s wrong and you don’t believe that’s fitting for your company, then I have that right to say: ‘No, I’m sorry, you are not going to show up as a cross-dresser today in my business.'”

The lawmaker is no stranger to controversy he’s previously demanded that women seeking an abortion should have written permission from the man who impregnated them. Brattin cited his wife’s approval of his vasectomy as his inspiration for the bill.  While his 2014 bill never made it out of committee, Brattin is remembered for suggesting that abortion should only be available for “legitimate rapes”.

Brattin has also called for creationism and evolutionary theories to be given equal space in school text books.

Local newspaper The Kansas City Star condemned the politicians comments describing them as “deplorable”.

“It betrayed a stunning lack of understanding of theology and self-government: The Constitution protects all Americans from the tyranny of any single faith-based approach to secular law.” the newspapers editorial said.

The newspaper said the state’s Governor should reject the bill while it fails to contain any protections for LGBT people.

OIP Staff