Pennsylvania Dems Call For GOP Lawmaker's Resignation After 'Random Homophobic Tirade'
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) — A bizarre exchange Tuesday at a meeting of a Pennsylvania House committee has the state Democratic Party calling on a Republican member to resign. The exchange was captured on video.
Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler County) scolded Rep. Matt Bradford (D-Montgomery County) for touching his arm during Tuesday's meeting.
"I'm a heterosexual," Metcalfe said. "I have a wife. I love my wife. I don't like men, as you might. Stop touching me all the time. Keep your hands to yourself. If you want to touch somebody, you have people on your side of the aisle that might like it. I don't."
Bradford and his wife have four children. He told CBS3 Metcalfe was out of control with his comments.
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"He kind of blew his lid as the chairman is known to do. He's well known to be a volatile character and today it kind of spiraled out of control," Bradford said.
Metcalfe told CBS3 that Bradford's touching during meetings has happened multiple times.
Eyewitness News asked Metcalfe if he crossed the line by bringing up heterosexuality and homosexuality during the meeting.
"I think the majority of the population is heterosexual. The homosexual crowd thinks that they can, you know, flaunt their sexuality routinely throughout the course of the day and throughout our government now and debate after debate. I wanted to send a clear message to Matt Bradford that I don't appreciate his constant touching on my arm," Metcalfe said.
Bradford denies touching Metcalfe multiple times in the past and says what happened in the hearing is just wrong. Bradford says he contacted House Speaker Mike Turzai about the incident.
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The Pennsylvania Democratic Party is calling on Metcalfe to resign.
"Enough is enough. Daryl Metcalfe is a walking, talking embarrassment to Pennsylvanians and doesn't deserve the honor of serving in public office," said Brandon Cwalina, spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Democratic Party.
The Pennsylvania Democratic Party released this statement after the heated confrontation in Harrisburg:
State Representative Daryl Metcalfe has always been a problem in Harrisburg. He has invited white supremacists to the capitol testify on behalf of his positions, defended white nationalists, and refused to condemn racist violence. The Pennsylvania Democratic Party has previously called upon Metcalfe to resign over his repeated racism.
In addition to being racist, Metcalfe is homophobic. He has silenced gay lawmakers, held up non-discrimination laws and, just today, went on a random homophobic tirade directed at one of his colleagues."
