“He enjoys interacting with constituents and Tennesseans of all religions, backgrounds and orientations on social media.”
Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R) apologized to his family, friends and colleagues Thursday following allegations of hypocrisy for his comments on a gay man’s suggestive Instagram posts.
McNally had been leaving heart and fire emoji, along with occasional remarks like “Super look Finn,” beneath photographs of Franklyn “Finn” McClur, an aspiring performer often seen dressed only in tight underwear, as first reported by progressive news site The Tennessee Holler.
The politician’s social media activity drew criticism due to his history of backing anti-LGBTQ legislation.
In a new interview with WTVF, a local news station, McNally said he had recently gotten to know members of the LGBTQ community — some being a part of his family — and was trying to be more supportive. Asked for evidence of his support, McNally pointed to a 2020 bill seeking to let religious adoption agencies discriminate against gay couples. The lieutenant governor, who also serves as speaker for the state Senate, voted “present and not voting” on the legislation, which ultimately passed.
This year, he voted for a ban on gender-affirming care for Tennessee minors, which also passed.
Twenty-year-old McClur, who grew up in Knoxville, told The Tennessee Holler that he and McNally had initially become.
McNally has spoken out against gay marriage in the past and said Thursday that he still "kind of" feels that way, "But I still have [gay] friends that are married." He also pointed out there was a time he spoke against legislation that would have prevented gay couples from adopting.
In response to McNally's comments, McClur spoke with the website the Tennessee Holler and said he found it hypocritical that the lieutenant governor would like his posts but support bills that harm the LGBTQ community.
Some have found his apology on News Channel 5 confusing after McNally confirmed and stood by his posts Thursday in front of the press. Also, in a statement, his press secretary said the lieutenant governor "enjoys interacting with constituents and Tennesseans of all religions, backgrounds and orientations on social media. He has no intention of stopping."
Though in his absence he didn't vote for the bills, McNally has said he believes "sexual reassignment" surgery should be delayed until adulthood, even if parents give the OK.
Two years in a row, McNally voted to limit sports participation on the basis of sex assigned at birth. He voted for another bill that allows individuals to refuse to share bathrooms and locker rooms with transgender people.
Even though he is the lieutenant governor, McNally may be a relatively unknown name, even in Tennessee. Instead of being elected by voters, he's elected by the legislature to the lieutenant governor post. Still, if Gov. Bill Lee were unable to serve his in his post for any reason, McNally would assume the office of governor.
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