This Michigan politician wants to make sure you’re aware that LGBT people are working in the media.
Rep. Gary Glenn.
On Sunday, Michigan newspaper Midland Daily News announced that it had promoted reporter Tony Lascari to the position of news editor. In an article detailing the promotion, Lascari was praised for his news judgment, his organization skills, and lengthy experience. In an attempt to inject some color, the piece concluded with some small details of Lascari's passions, which include nature and his family.
“I enjoy spending time with my nieces and my nephew, I'm an occasional runner and I love spending time in Midland's parks,” Lascari said. “I live in Midland with my husband, Mark.”
The revelation that the Midland Daily News had appointed an out gay man to the position of news editor prompted Michigan State Representative Gary Glenn to issue an “agenda alert” on Facebook and Twitter.
“Agenda Alert — Midland Daily News' new news editor: political science major who “lives in Midland with (his) husband,'” the Republican wrote.
Glenn did not respond to requests for comment from BuzzFeed News, but told MLive.com that he believed the community needed to be aware of Lascari's sexuality so they could judge the paper for its reporting and question if its staff “represent our community's values.”
“I posted the paper's own report — without comment or criticism — except to alert readers to the reasonably observed possibility that the new position might be used to promote a political agenda or bias that's at odds with our community's values,” he said.
Glenn serves as the president for the Michigan chapter of the American Family Association, a conservative group which warns of the “homosexual agenda.”
Michigan Rep. Issues "Agenda Alert" After Gay Man Is Promoted To News Editor
