Yes, she actually said that

On the bill that would have prohibited employers from firing people based on sexual orientation, Cabell County Representative Kelli Sobonya has some ... well ... interesting views.

From The Register Herald:

“Where’s the tolerance for those with true, deep-seated convictions based on Bible teachings relating to homosexuality?” Sobonya wondered after the meeting.

Conceivably, under the bill, she said, a cross dresser could demand to put on whatever he pleases while teaching in a public school to express “sexual orientation.”

“Homosexuality is an abomination to God based on the teaching of the Bible,” she said.

There's more, but the summary of her closing comments makes your jaw drop.

Eventually, she said, if the trend continues, no one could discriminate against anyone for any reason.

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C. Richard Cobb left the story, along with this description of the bill in the comments section of an earlier entry on this blog:

As the chairperson of the City of Huntington Human Relations Commission, I wanted to let everyone know that we have been working to have Senate Bill 600 approved by the House of Delegates and sent to the Governor for his signature. The bill will add "sexual orientation" and "age" as protected classes in the West Virginia Human Rights Act.

Every citizen must be treated fairly in the area of acquiring housing and in the area of employment. Being able to rent an apartment or home, or purchase a home should be based on a person's ability to pay the rent, or make a mortgage payment - and NOT on their sexual orientation, or perceived sexual orientation. Obtaining and retaining a job should based on the criteria of qualifications and performance - NOT sexual orientation, or perceived sexual orientation.

Equal rights should apply to all citizens of our state. However, some folks need to be protected by law in order to be able to share rights that many of us take for granted.

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Sobonya's opposition to the bill should come as no surprise to anyone. As "MadAnne" at Wvablue points out, Sobonya's Web site proudly lists her work as a lobbyist for the WV Christian Coalition and the West Virginia Family Foundation (an affiliate of the controversial American Family Association) among her achievements.