Post submitted by Stephen Peters,  former Senior National Press Secretary and Spokesperson

Today, HRC released the following statement regarding Sam Clovis’ withdrawal from consideration to serve as chief scientist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“Sam Clovis has opposed equality for LGBTQ people at practically every turn and even pushed the unscientific nonsense that being LGBTQ is a choice,” said HRC Government Affairs Director David Stacy. “It’s disconcerting that the Trump-Pence administration continues to nominate candidates who are as extreme as they are unqualified. Sam Clovis certainly fit that description, and while his nomination has today been withdrawn, it’s absolutely essential that the Senate reject the scores of other dangerous nominees this administration continues to push forward.”

Sam Clovis is among the worst in a long line of anti-LGBTQ extremists nominated by Donald Trump and Mike Pence. Clovis has a disturbing history of anti-LGBTQ extremism, as reported by CNN. Clovis, who has no scientific background, has repeatedly peddled the falsehood that being LGBTQ is a “choice.” Clovis has also disgustingly equated protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination with protecting pedophiles, and he opposes marriage equality.