May 1, 2008 9:00 pm US/Eastern
Fumo's Divisive Comments Cause For Concern
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
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State Senator Vincent Fumo (file).
CBS
In a committee hearing on a bill defining marriage as heterosexual, State Senator Vince Fumo defended gay marriage Tuesday by comparing homophobia to racism.
"If we introduced a bill on slavery it might pass. That doesn't make it right," Fumo said.
His example raised concerns about racism in the legislature especially when he elaborated when he was challenged he said, "Oh, don't bet on it. In this general assembly, I know some people up here, especially on secret ballot. It'd be almost unanimous."
Melvin Norman from South Philadelphia said it made him think racism is still alive in this country.
"That someone could say something like that. Somebody behind closed doors would vote for this type of nonsense from way back in the day and bring it back. I can't even describe."
Senator Vince Fumo released a statement saying he was exaggerating to make his point.
Norman reacted, "I don't think that was no exaggeration."
Governor Ed Rendell knows Fumo well, and said he accepts his colleague's explanation.
"Senator Fumo is an emotional guy and he gets carried away at times and to make his point he used a bad example," said Governor Rendell, "On balance I think this legislature is not bigoted."
Marie Carbone lives in Fumo's South Philadelphia district, "I don't think in reality they really mean anything it sounds like when it comes out." Mary Jones, who is also from South Philadelphia said, "What Fumo is saying something to get attention. He has enough problems, so he doesn't need to go there to talk about slavery."
When Fumo said that in this general assembly there could actually be a vote on slavery, many wondered if he ousted his colleagues as closet racists.
The senators CBS3 called on the Appropriations Committee from the Philadelphia area refused to comment.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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