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‘Senator, your use of the term ‘fruits’ to describe gays sank far below the level of dignified discourse Americans rightfully expect of their elected officials,’ said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. 

WASHINGTON — Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese sent the following letter to Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., following a recent interview the senator gave in Rolling Stone magazine in which he called Swedish gay citizens “fruits.”

January 27, 2006
Senator Sam Brownback
303 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Fax: (202) 224-6521

Dear Senator Brownback,

While you and I are far from agreement on issues of fairness for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans, I had hoped we could communicate our differences with dignity. Senator, your use of the term “fruits” to describe gays sank far below the level of dignified discourse Americans rightfully expect of their elected officials.

In an apparent attempt to use a biblical passage to derogatorily jab at gays and lesbians, you have stepped well over the line of decorum and common decency.

I look forward to your clarification of the remarks about gay Swedes you made in your recent Rolling Stone interview. Your many fair-minded constituents, including those of faith who believe the Bible to be a powerful tool of decency and respect, are owed an explanation and apology.

I hope you will join me in a commitment to a political discourse that is respectful and free from mean-spirited attacks.

Sincerely,
Joe Solmonese
President of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality.

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.