California Democrats made headlines on Monday when they walked out of a State Senate ceremony honoring Richard Grenell, the first openly gay member of a presidential Cabinet, as part of Pride month. Grenell, a Republican activist and foreign policy expert, served in President Donald Trump’s administration as acting National Director of Intelligence and previously held the role of ambassador to Germany. During his tenure, Grenell garnered attention for criticizing Germany’s failure to meet its funding commitments to NATO and urging the country to address Iranian terrorism and reduce reliance on Russian gas for energy.
https://t.co/pR3zzPCgKR
CA Dem Senator ROASTED by @RichardGrenell with his usual intelligence, eloquence, and grace: “It’s an honor to be your enemy. You are a radical voice against common sense, decency and parental rights. You are an apologist for pedophilia & child abuse – and…— NanLee2 (@NanLee1124) June 27, 2023
Among the Democrats who walked out were State Senate President pro Tem Tori Atkins (D-San Diego) and State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), known for his controversial legislation on LGBT issues in California. The Los Angeles Times reported Wiener’s criticism of Grenell, stating that he considered Grenell a “self-hating gay man” who held anti-LGBTQ positions. Wiener further added that there were other gay Republicans who did not espouse the same extreme views as Grenell.
Lol. The left is proudly intolerant.
These California Senators walked off the Senate floor when Republicans honored me today.
They just can’t take dissenting views – they have to run out of the room with their fingers in their ears.
And this is what they teach our kids… https://t.co/OAi6fkSqAv
— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) June 26, 2023
During a news conference held by state Republicans to celebrate Grenell, he took the opportunity to criticize Democratic policies and what he referred to as “the gay left mafia.” Grenell emphasized the importance of tolerance and expressed disappointment that the Democrats chose to walk out instead of engaging with someone who challenged their worldview. He referred to their actions as an inability to tolerate opposing opinions.
Grenell also responded to Wiener and other critics on Twitter, engaging in a heated exchange. It is worth noting that Grenell’s mention of “pedophilia” relates to a controversial law authored by Wiener, which reduces penalties for certain cases of statutory rape involving gay men.
California Democrats walked out of a ceremony at the State Senate on Monday in which Republicans honored former U.S. Ambassador Richard Grenell, the first openly gay member of a presidential Cabinet, for Pride month. Grenell, a longtime Republican activist and foreign policy expert, served in President Donald Trump’s Cabinet as acting National Director of Intelligence. He had previously been the ambassador to Germany, a role in which he distinguished himself by criticizing Germany’s reluctance to honor its funding commitments to NATO. He also urged Germany to confront Iranian terror and to end its dependence on Russian gas for its energy supply. The Los Angeles Times reported: “This is their way of celebrating Pride, by bringing in a guy who is truly a self-hating gay man, who takes tons of anti-LGBTQ positions,” Wiener said in an interview in the Capitol on Monday. “There are plenty of gay Republicans who don’t do the unhinged things that [Grenell] does. I’m not lumping all gay Republicans together — he is a particularly vile person.” David Croom
The Democrats’ walkout was seen as a reciprocal gesture following a previous incident where Republicans walked out during a ceremony honoring the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a drag group known for satirizing the Catholic Church.
Tolerance: California Democrats Walk Out as Richard Grenell Honored by Republicans for Pride Month
Wait what 🙋Happened to Democrats being TOLERANT??
Hypocrcy at its Finest …
https://t.co/LFACZEoZBi— Joe Delfino (@JoeDelfino9) June 27, 2023
In reporting the story, The Los Angeles Times made several critical remarks about Grenell, even mentioning that Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the second openly gay Cabinet member, was confirmed by the Senate. The article highlighted the ongoing political divide and tensions within the LGBTQ community, particularly regarding differing views on conservative representation.
This incident reflects the ongoing political polarization and ideological differences within California’s political landscape, particularly on LGBTQ issues. It underscores the challenges faced by individuals who hold conservative views within the LGBTQ community and the complexities surrounding their representation in mainstream politics.
Major points:
- California Democrats boycott a State Senate ceremony honoring Richard Grenell, the first openly gay member of a presidential Cabinet, during Pride month.
- Grenell, a Republican and former U.S. Ambassador, served as acting National Director of Intelligence under President Donald Trump and previously held the role of ambassador to Germany.
- State Senate President pro Tem Tori Atkins and State Sen. Scott Wiener, both Democrats, were among those who walked out, with Wiener criticizing Grenell for his anti-LGBTQ positions.
- Grenell responded on Twitter, mentioning Wiener’s controversial legislation on reduced penalties for certain cases of statutory rape involving gay men.
- The walkout by Democrats was seen as a response to Republicans walking out during a ceremony honoring the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a drag group known for satirical acts targeting the Catholic Church.
More on Rick Grenell and why they hate him…
It’s an honor to be your enemy.
You are a radical voice against common sense, decency and parental rights.
You are an apologist for pedophilia & child abuse – and you undermine American values. https://t.co/2ojwY1FxoL
— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) June 26, 2023
Richard Grenell tells @JackPosobiec the truth about Jack Smith and Kosovo pic.twitter.com/6lNTlcXjwE
— Human Events (@HumanEvents) June 19, 2023
We need US leadership! https://t.co/pAPVIH6m6p
— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) June 27, 2023
Comments – Threads
- Replying to Scott_Wiener You couldn’t make a pimple on Richard Grenell’s ass. He did more for this country in foreign service than you will in your entire life, and is still helping others around the world. You’re just pissed that he’s one of the most successful gay men ever, in US government ! – Bernard Kerik
- Intolerant State Senator CarolineMenjiv3 ran out of the room today when a gay Republican was honored in the Senate. Yet this is her sign off note on her website: “I look forward to listening to and learning about your concerns for our collective future. – Caroline Menjivar” – Richard Grenell
- It’s sad and pathetic – but no US or EU official has been to North Mitrovica since this latest crisis began. They said it was too dangerous. I went without security and met with 20 leaders, walked the streets and had lunch. – Richard Grenell
- You don’t get it. This list was made when they said Hunter’s laptop was Russian disinformation, and Trump was a Russian asset This is the list of people who challenged the narrative and who turned out to be right. – Richard Grenell (Tweet has a list)
Want to know more?
- CA Dem Senators Walk Out When Former Ambassador Ric Grenell Honored – California Globe
Party Like a Russian: TOP 10 MEMES – Whatfinger News’ Choice Clips