Anti-LGBT conservative lawmaker caught having homosexual act
Posted on: November 18, 2017 at 10:33:01 CT
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COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Rep. Wes Goodman resigned his seat late Tuesday after House leaders confronted the Cardington Republican about "inappropriate behavior" that occurred in his state-provided office.
House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger said he was alerted Tuesday afternoon to Goodman's involvement in "inappropriate behavior related to his state office." Rosenberger met with Goodman later Tuesday, and the representative confirmed the allegations.
"It became clear that his resignation was the most appropriate course of action for him, his family, the constituents of the 87th House District and this institution," Rosenberger said in a statement Wednesday.
In an interview later Wednesday morning, Rosenberger told cleveland.com there had been an inappropriate interaction in Goodman's Riffe Center office between the married lawmaker and a person not employed by the legislature. Rosenberger wouldn't provide any more details.
Rosenberger spokesman Brad Miller said the interaction was consensual and happened several months ago. Miller said it did not constitute sexual harassment and no complaints of harassment by Goodman were made during his time in the House.
Goodman is the second state lawmaker to resign in as many months over actions considered inappropriate. Sen. Cliff Hite, a Findlay Republican, resigned after a state employee alleged he propositioned her for sex several times .
Goodman, 33, was elected to the 87th district seat in 2016 after working for the Conservative Action Project, a network of economic, social and national security conservatives. He also worked for U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan for more than six years, promoting "promoting constitutional, fiscally responsible, pro-family policies," according to his 2015 candidacy announcement .
Jordan's office said no allegations of wrongdoing nor accusations of misconduct were made during Goodman's tenure there.
"Congressman Jordan is deeply disappointed by this troubling news, and believes Mr. Goodman's resignation was the best course of action for the Ohio House of Representatives, Mr. Goodman's constituents, and his family," spokeswoman Melika Willoughby said in an email.
Goodman has a politically and socially conservative political persona. His campaign website describes his views on family : "Healthy, vibrant, thriving, values-driven families are the source of Ohio's proud history and the key to Ohio's future greatness. The ideals of a loving father and mother, a committed natural marriage, and a caring community are well worth pursuing and protecting."