Opinion Columnist: Scott Garrett's Gotta Go

Rep. Scott Garrett must go. That is the basis of a scathing opinion piece published on PolitickerNJ.com regarding the representative from New Jersey’s fifth congressional district.

Garrett has also refused to pay the required dues to the National Republican Campaign Committee because it recruit and back gay candidates.

Garrett is co-sponsoring the First Amendment Defense Act. The legislation would help protect people and groups who cite religious beliefs as a reason for denying services to same-sex couples trying to get married.

The editorial states that Garrett is an ‘anti-gay hypocrite’ for refusing to pay the dues but then allegedly accepted contributions from groups and individuals who have “made equality for gays and lesbians their life’s work.”

Republican lawmakers at the meeting where Garrett made the comments have denounced the congressman’s remarks, the editorial states.

The editorial references a quote from Bob Yudin, chairman of the Bergen County Republican Organization, in The Record that Garrett is ” just practicing his religion. He is deeply religious. His belief is that marriage is for a man and a woman and a man should not lie down with a man.”

Mr. Garrett is not “just” practicing his religion. He is attempting to impose his beliefs through a vile and antiquated form of hatred and bigotry, the editorial states.”

Garrett has also accepted contributions from KPMG’s PAC and its employees. KPMG has also been ”at the forefront” of supporting gay rights, especially for its employees, the piece states.

Politicker called Garrett ”an embarrassment to his party.”