Former Wisconsin
governor Tommy Thompson apologized this morning for
saying during the Republican presidential candidate debate
last night that private employers should be allowed to
fire gays and lesbians on the basis of their sexual
orientation, according to reports from CNN.
Thompson was
asked, "If a private employer finds homosexuality
immoral, should he be allowed to fire a gay worker?"
Thompson replied,
"I think that is left up to the individual business. I
really sincerely believe that that is an issue that
businesspeople have got to make their own determination as
to whether or not they should be."
The moderator
responded, "OK. So the answer's yes."
Thompson replied,
"Yes."
When reached for
comment this morning by CNN's American Morning,
Thompson reportedly said, "I made a mistake. I
misinterpreted the question.... I didn't hear the
question properly, and I apologize. I thought I
answered it yes when I should have answered it no. There
should be no discrimination in the workplace. In fact,
Wisconsin has one of the first laws, which I
supported." (The Advocate)
