Use of word 'queer' defended
Lawmaker dismisses reaction to his comments

By Associated Press
June 16, 2006

ATHENS, Tenn. - A Republican lawmaker [Rep. Eric Watson, R-Cleveland] who described homosexuals as "queers" when he spoke at a rally supporting a ban on same-sex marriage in Tennessee dismissed unfavorable reaction to his comment and said that is what gays want to be called.

At a rally for the Nov. 7 constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, Watson said

"it will be sad day when queers and lesbians are allowed to get married ... and kiss in front of the courthouse."

Watson, a Bradley County deputy and a graduate of Andersonville Seminary in Camilla, Ga., is seeking re-election. While Watson said he was not aware of any negative...
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