Current:Home > StocksTenn. Lt. Gov. McNally apologizes after repeatedly commenting on racy Instagram posts-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Tenn. Lt. Gov. McNally apologizes after repeatedly commenting on racy Instagram posts
View Date:2024-12-23 21:48:47
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Republican Lt. Gov. Randy McNally has confirmed that for "a little while" he has been liking and leaving comments on social media photos of an openly gay Tennessee man who often poses nearly naked.
McNally, who is also a member of the state Senate and serves as its head, has left numerous comments on Franklyn McClur's Instagram photos with phrases such as "love it!" and heart and flame emojis. One comment reads, "Finn, you can turn a rainy day into rainbows and sunshine."
In an interview Thursday night with News Channel 5 in Nashville, McNally apologized saying, "I'm really, really sorry if I've embarrassed my family, embarrassed my friends, embarrassed any of the members of the legislature with the posts."
Serving in the legislature since 1978, McNally is being called out after years of supporting bills that restrict the rights of LGBTQ people in the state.
Thursday, the 79-year-old was questioned by reporters at the state Capitol for his social media activity. He confirmed his actions and defended them saying "I'm not anti-gay."
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."
McNally's voting record
This year, the lieutenant governor was recovering from a heart procedure when the state Senate voted to pass bills eliminating gender-affirming care for transgender people under 18 and banning drag performances in public places where children may see them. (That law is the first of its kind in the country and comes with the potential for jail time.)
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.
Acacia Squires, NPR's States Team editor, contributed to this story.
veryGood! (3655)
Related
- Eva Longoria calls US 'dystopian' under Trump, has moved with husband and son
- 'Jeopardy' crowns winner of 2024 Tournament of Champions: What to know about Yogesh Raut
- In Final Push to Get Climate Legislation Passed, Advocates Call for Bold Legislative Actions
- Jeopardy!'s Mike Richards Speaks Out More Than 2 Years After Being Fired From Hosting Gig
- Nelly will not face charges after St. Louis casino arrest for drug possession
- Megan Fox dishes on calling off engagement with 'twin soul' Machine Gun Kelly
- Businessman pleads guilty in polygamous leader's scheme to orchestrate sexual acts involving underage girls
- Jean Breaux, longtime Democratic state Senator from Indianapolis, dies at 65
- Beyoncé's Grammy nominations in country categories aren't the first to blur genre lines
- A New York man’s pet alligator was seized after 30 years. Now, he wants Albert back
Ranking
- Halle Berry Rocks Sheer Dress She Wore to 2002 Oscars 22 Years Later
- Missouri Supreme Court declines to halt execution of a man who killed 2 in 2006
- Do sharks lay eggs? Here's how the fish gives birth and what some eggs look like.
- Kyle Richards Weighs in on Family Drama Between Mauricio Umansky and Paris Hilton
- We Can Tell You How to Get to Sesame Street—and Even More Secrets About the Beloved Show
- 'Real Housewives of Potomac' star Karen Huger involved in car crash after allegedly speeding
- 2024 NFL free agency grades: Which teams aced their moves, and which ones bombed?
- The Utah Jazz arena's WiFi network name is the early star of March Madness
Recommendation
-
25 monkeys caught but more still missing after escape from research facility in SC
-
FBI: ‘Little rascals’ trio, ages 11, 12 and 16, arrested for robbing a Houston bank
-
Vehicle Carbon Pollution Would Be Cut, But More Slowly, Under New Biden Rule
-
Kate's photo of Queen Elizabeth II with her grandkids flagged by Getty news agency as enhanced at source
-
Incredible animal moments: Watch farmer miraculously revive ailing chick, doctor saves shelter dogs
-
Washington Gov. Inslee signs fentanyl bill sending money to disproportionately affected tribes
-
Next Mega Millions drawing features jackpot of nearly $1 billion: Here's what to know
-
The Daily Money: Follow today's Fed decision live