Gay Democrat Wins In Landslide Against Rival Who Attacked His Drag Act
Gay Democrat primary challenger Eric Morrison has beaten the incumbent in the race to represent the 27th District in Delaware’s House Of Representatives, Newsweek reports.
Morrison secured 61 per cent of the vote over Rep. Earl Jacques who has represented the district since 2009. During the campaign the pair clashed over Morrison’s appearance at drag shows after Jacques said during an interview in December with The News Journal: “That is so far off-base for our district, it’s unbelievable.”
“You wonder what the point is. You can have fundraisers, I don’t care about that. But dressing in drag? Really?” Jacques said.
“I’m not sure he represents the people who attend those places of religion. If he’s actually having a fundraiser in drag, I don’t think those churches would endorse that … I’m just saying it’s a little different, that’s for sure,” Jacques said.
Local Democrat leaders criticised Jacques at the time forcing him to apologise and to acknowledge his comments were, “insensitive, hurtful, and simply wrong.”
“It is wrong to attempt to pass judgment or impose one person’s belief structure onto others.
“My job as a state representative is to represent all constituents of the 27th District, regardless of gender, race, creed, orientation or identity, period,” Jacques said.
In response Morrison, who has performed in drag for over 20 years, said he appreciated the remarks but pointed out the Jacques failure to support LGBTIQ rights in the state.
“Unfortunately, this does not change the fact that Rep. Jaques voted against same-sex marriage in 2013, and refused to vote yes or no on banning the barbaric practice of conversion therapy for Delaware’s LGBT minors in 2013 … those votes trouble me today and will always trouble me,” Morrison said.
Following his win Morrison took to Twitter to confirm he’d won the primary.
“Last night, we won our primary election with a spread of over 22%! Thank you to everyone who supported our campaign in any way, big or small.
“We are taking today to celebrate and rest—and tomorrow, we keep it in high gear for the November 3 general election!” Morrison said.
