When I heard about this, I was very curious. I guess it is the whole closeted Republican in adulthood thing that I find so bizarre. 365gay.com
reports that Foley was one of the Republicans who did vote against the federal marriage amendment, though. I don't know about his voting record on other LGBT issues.
I keep seeing the reports state that one of the pages described Foley's emails as "sick, sick, sick, sick." I first read those, and while they were inappropriate (asking for a picture, would you like a birthday gift) I certainly would not describe those individual emails as "sick." However, now
ABC is reporting an instant message exchange (
pdf) between Foley and another page that took place in 2003. After reading that, I agree that Foley should no longer be in congress and there should be an investigation.
Another thing I find disturbing are the comments on the news reports. Some people are identifying themselves as conservative republicans, calling Foley a homosexual pedophile, and stating that such people should be "strung up." Wouldn't Foley's actions be much closer to sexual harassment, not pedophilia? Sexual harassment implies unwanted advances, and pedophilia involves children. Now when someone is underage, even if the advances are not rebuked, we still prohibit such actions to protect young people. So even if it is not harassment, there is a serious problem with Foley's actions.
I used to hear heterosexual men call pretty teenage girls "jail-bait." Meaning, of course, that until she crossed the age of consent line, sexual relations with her would get them jail. I just find it curious that some heterosexual men use the term "jail-bait" when talking about 16 or 17 year-old girls while the term "pedophilia" seems to be brought up if it involves a homosexual. I should say that I haven't seen any major news source using that term in connection with Foley, just in the comments from readers.
What do you think?