Utah Sen. Chris Buttars
Stands Behind Homophobic Words

Following his removal from two Utah senate committees for homophobic remarks, Sen. Chris Buttars went on record Friday, standing behind his beliefs. Buttars published his reaction to being censured in a statement posted on Senate Site , a website by the Utah Senate Majority.

"In recent years, registering opposition to the homosexual agenda has become almost impossible," he wrote. "Political correctness has replaced open and energetic debate. Those who dare to disagree with the homosexual agenda are labeled 'haters,' and 'bigots,' and are censured by their peers.

Buttars added that conservatives are being targeted by the left-leaning media that "uses their position of public trust as a bully pulpit."

Buttars was removed from the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee and the Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee after a closed door meeting among senate Republicans. Buttars was featured in a documentary saying that gays are "the greatest threat to America," and comparing them to radical Muslims.

"It's the beginning of the end," Buttars said in 8: The Mormon Proposition . "Oh, it's worse than that. Sure. Sodom and Gomorrah was localized. This is worldwide."

The Wednesday before Buttars was removed, gay rights activist Jacob Whipple called for Buttars' resignation from the senate.

Buttars also came under fire after in February 2008 speaking on the floor about a school-funding bill. "This baby is black," he said according to the Salt Lake City Tribune. "It's a dark, ugly thing." The local NAACP demanded that he resign, calling his words "despicable." (Michelle Garcia, Advocate.com)