Josh Welle to Chris Smith: "Thank You for Proving My Point"

Press Release

Yesterday, after a national spotlight was shone on Rep. Chris Smith's anti-equality agenda by an exclusive story from the Washington Blade, the Smith campaign finally spoke up, albeit in defense of his bigotry. Smith's campaign released the full 50 minute audio of the incident at Colts Neck High School where Smith clearly laid out his anti-gay, extreme beliefs to an auditorium full of high school students.

In the full audio, which Smith's camp seems to think exonerates him from the charge that he believes children would be better off in an orphanage than in the home of a gay couple, Smith is asked by a student: "In 1999, this is a while ago, but you voted "yes' on banning gay adoption in DC. Do you still stand by that?" Smith's response: " I would vote the same way, frankly, as I did then."

"Well Chris Smith, if you would vote to deprive children from the opportunity to find a home with a loving gay couple, what options are you leaving these kids? Either get adopted by a straight couple…or stay in an orphanage. So yes, it is fact you do believe kids should stay in an orphanage rather than be adopted by a loving LGBTQ family. Thank you for proving my point," said Josh Welle on Thursday.

The audio released by the Smith campaign goes even further to expose Smith's exclusionary vision for this country. Smith says at one point "My belief is squarely…that marriage is between a man and a woman."

"I fought on the front lines in the Navy after 9/11 to protect this Constitution and the liberties it guarantees for all people, not just some," said Josh Welle. "Maybe if he had held a town hall in the last 25 years, Smith would know that the people of the 4th Congressional district will not stand for injustice and inequality. Not in 2018. Not in Central Jersey."

Welle is scheduled to hold his third town hall later today that is focused on celebrating "American Heroes" at the Freehold Independent Fire Company. Welle also has scheduled a rally at Rep. Chris Smith's official office in Freehold next Wednesday, where he will be joined by members of the LGBTQ community and a number of local gay and straight parents who have adopted children.

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