Senator Apologizes for Guy-in-a-Tutu Anecdote

Wyoming's Mike Enzi was making a point about LGBT rights
By Newser Editors,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 26, 2017 10:11 AM CDT
Senator Apologizes for Guy-in-a-Tutu Anecdote
Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyoming.   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Sen. Mike Enzi's attempt to use a folksy anecdote during a discussion about LGBT rights has resulted in him apologizing for a "poor choice of words." During an appearance at a local high school last Thursday, a sophomore asked the Wyoming Republican how he'll protect those who come out as gay. Enzi denounced all forms of bullying, called for civility, and said he appreciated Wyoming because it's a place where anyone can be whatever they want, "as long as you don't push it in somebody's face," reports the Greybull Standard. And in elaborating on that point, he got into some hot water: "I know a guy who wears a tutu and goes to bars on Friday night and is always surprised that he gets in fights," said Enzi. "Well, he kind of asks for it."

The remark drew immediate criticism, with the state Democratic chairman saying "no one deserves or is asking to be punished for simply being who they are." The senator himself walked back the comments in an email to CNN. "I regret a poor choice of words during part of my presentation," Enzi wrote. "None of us is infallible and I apologize to anyone who has taken offense." He added that the larger point of his talk promoted tolerance, and "I hope if people look at the entirety of my speech, they will understand that." (More Mike Enzi stories.)

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