GOP lawmaker faces backlash after claiming gay marriage 'plagues our society'

A Republican lawmaker who has publicly condemned gay marriage during his speech on the House floor has sparked a heated debate on social media. According to The Independent, Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.), who described gay marriage as a "plague" impacting society, shared his remarks during a discussion about anti-domestic violence legislation.

On Tuesday, October 26, Good insisted society's shortcomings are a result of failure to adhere to biblical law. "Nearly everything that plagues our society can be attributed to a failure to follow God's law and his rules for and definition of marriage and family."

Good went on to voice his disapproval of the bill's provisions on gender identity as he argued that it would "coerce faith-based providers… to violate their deeply held beliefs or stop their work altogether."

The Republican lawmaker's remarks have prompted critical responses on social media. "Not only is this completely false Rep Bob Good, this is grossly insulting to all survivors and victims of domestic abuse," The Secular Coalition for America tweeted.

Another Twitter user wrote, "This is especially ironic since Bob Good previously worked as a fundraiser for Liberty University's athletics program. That's Liberty U., the school known for following God's rules... and for repeatedly ignoring/dismissing claims of sexual assault by female students."

One user even highlighted the irony in Good's stance on gay marriage given his avid support of former President Donald Trump, someone "who personifies everything that the Bible teaches to reject like Greed, Indifference, lying, Cheating, Adultery & betrayal."

Despite the backlash, Good, a self-proclaimed "biblical and Constitutional conservative," has defended his remarks. In a statement to The Independent, Good made it clear that "he opposed the anti-domestic violence bill HR2219 because it would require 'faith-based providers to accept views on sexual orientation and gender identity that violate their deeply held beliefs.'"

He added, "I believe in God's definition of marriage without apology, and I will continue to oppose any effort to further undermine timeless truths regarding gender and life."

"Democrats would rather a Christian shelter not serve victims, than continue to hold religious views that do not align with their agenda."