Gay groups call for homophobic lawmaker’s job

A Florida legislator who allegedly told a group of HIV/AIDS activists and lobbyists that his gay cousin deserved to die after contracting AIDS has sparked an outcry.

Gay and AIDS activists have called for everything from a formal censure of Republican representative D. Alan Hays to his being removed from the state house of representatives.

Minutes after a Friday press conference with many groups, Hays released a statement denying the alleged comments.

"I am known for being plain-spoken and for speaking my mind, but I am outraged that this group is making these claims against me," Hays wrote in a statement. "I have spent a lifetime as a health-care professional and have compassionately cared for several patients afflicted with AIDS."

According to the Florida Sentinel, this is Hays's second antigay outburst this year. In March he told a group of students, at a debate over an antibullying bill, that they needed psychological treatment because they are gay. Hays is a member of the house health care general committee. According to his bio, Hays was elected to the house in 2004 and is affiliated with the Florida Medical Association Council, is a retired dentist, and won Christian Coalition Faith & Family awards in 2005 and 2006. He has also been honored by the state Association of Health Plans and the Florida Chamber of Commerce.