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In case you missed it, the Caledonian Record published updated reporting over the weekend on what is now a string of homophobic attacks by State Senator Carrie Gendreau in response to a recently unveiled diversity and inclusion mural on private property in downtown Littleton.
In an interview responding to her recent homophobic attacks, Sen Gendreau compared LGBTQ+ residents in her district to heroin addicts, said they were going to hell, and should endeavor to take steps to avoid that outcome.
“When asked how she would reconcile her contradictory opinions — love for LGBTQ+ people but condemnation of their lifestyle — she referred to her family."
"She pointed to a nephew who had committed crimes and served time in jail and a niece who became addicted to heroin, saying she did not agree with their choices but 'That doesn’t stop me from loving them. And that’s the same way with the gay community.'"
The interview continued:
“He [Jesus] makes it very clear that when a man lies with a man, it’s an abomination. He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because of homosexuality,” [Gendreau] said. “God is very clear as to what his view is on this… Someday they are going to know the truth, and I would rather have it [happen] on this side of eternity.”
The article follows a recent Littleton Select Board meeting where Sen. Gendreau — a member of the select board — expressed grave concern with a local mural project titled “We Will Not Be Banned” which celebrates the beauty of diversity and the LGBTQ+ community.
Sen. Gendreau warned attendees of the mural, which is on private property, saying what the artwork represents “is not good. It was not good. I won’t get into it. I don’t want that to be in our town. I don’t want it to be here.”
Following the controversy, Gendreau resigned her seat from the Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank board of directors in disgrace.
In a statement, Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank President Jim Graham said, “We are aware of comments made at a recent Littleton Select Board meeting by a member of the bank’s board of directors about the new mural in downtown, causing hurt to the LGBTQ+ and art communities and to the community at large. We want you to know that we truly understand. The comments are not representative of what the bank stands for.”
LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations North Country Pride and Our Friends, Our Neighbors have organized a silent protest for the Select Board meeting on Monday, Sept. 11