Gays greatest threat to America, Buttars says

Sen. Chris Buttars believes gays and lesbians are "the greatest threat to America going down," comparing members of the LGBT community to radical Muslims.

"I believe they will destroy the foundation of the American society," the West Jordan Republican said in a recent interview with documentary filmmaker Reed Cowan. "In my mind, it's the beginning of the end. … Sodom and Gomorrah was localized. This is worldwide."

Audio from the hourlong interview aired on ABC Ch. 4 Tuesday night and video of Buttars discussing the "underbelly" of the gay community made its way onto YouTube for a brief time Wednesday.

Buttars' comments prompted concern among Republicans and Democrats alike, and had some gay-rights activists calling for the senator's resignation Wednesday.

"It's extremely offensive and inappropriate, especially for an elected official," said gay-rights activist Jacob Whipple. "It should not be tolerated."

Gay and lesbian lawmakers said they were disappointed — but not shocked — by the remarks. The NAACP called for Buttars' resignation last year for comments he made about a controversial bill. "This baby is black, I'll tell you," he said. "This is a dark and ugly thing."

"An apology is not going to do it at this point," said Sen. Scott McCoy, the only openly gay member of the Senate. "I'm not sure I'd find an apology sincere anyway."

McCoy said several GOP senators had made a point of apologizing for Buttars' comments.

"They're very hurtful statements," added Rep. Christine Johnson, D-Salt Lake. "I trust (Senate) President (Michael) Waddoups and the Senate leadership to address it."

Asked if he expected any repercussions for his recent statements, Buttars said, "I've been under repercussions my whole life."

Senate Majority Whip Scott Jenkins, R-Plain City, however, said he wasn't sure leadership would respond.

"He's got a right to speak his mind and that's what he did," Jenkins said. "I'm not saying we're all happy about it."

As for the effect Buttars' latest flap may have on how the Senate is viewed, Jenkins said the GOP majority is "concerned, not afraid. There's no question we're concerned about that. We're trying very hard to keep things from getting to a fever pitch here."

For his part, Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, told the Deseret News he spoke to Buttars about his remarks Wednesday.

"It caught me totally unawares and I just asked him to explain it," Waddoups said.