The Colorado Republican Party is under fire for sending an email titled ‘God hates pride’ featuring anti-LGBTQ+ content, signed by state GOP chair Dave Williams. The email, which included a video of a pastor with similar views to the Westboro Baptist Church, has drawn condemnation from Democrats, Republicans and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
The Colorado Republican Party has faced widespread criticism after sending an email to supporters with anti-LGBTQ+ content. The email, titled “God hates pride,” was sent at the beginning of Pride Month and included a video of a pastor with similar views. The image in the video referenced the Westboro Baptist Church, known for its anti-gay protests.
The email was signed by Dave Williams, a former state representative and the current state GOP chair, who has previously displayed anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. Williams is also running for the 5th Congressional District seat.
The email drew immediate backlash from both Democrats and Republicans. Valdamar Archuleta, a congressional candidate leading Colorado’s chapter of the LGBT Log Cabin Republicans, rejected the party’s endorsement following the email’s release. Curtis Gardner, an Aurora city councilman, also voiced his disapproval. Shad Murib, chair of the Colorado Democratic Party, labeled the email as hateful.
Nadine Bridges, executive director of LGBTQ+ advocacy group One Colorado, condemned the email and its subsequent social media message, which called for the burning of pride flags.
Despite the criticisms, Williams defended the email and dismissed the backlash as coming from “radical Democrats,” the media, and “weak Republicans.”
Meanwhile, Colorado voters will soon decide on whether to remove anti-same-sex marriage language from the state constitution, with opposition groups pushing anti-transgender measures for inclusion on the November ballot.
