A Republican senator today asserted homosexuality hurts him and his family in “multiple ways”– prompting an openly gay senator to call the statements “ignorant.”

Senator Dennis Guth of Klemme gave a speech in the Iowa Senate to air his concerns about homosexuality.

“The media, for the most part, has bamboozled us into thinking that having a relationship outside of the boundaries of monogamous, heterosexual marriage is positive, happy and fulfilling,” Guth said. “Movies, television shows, articles and magazines abound with this theme, giving partial information to vulnerable audience: our children.”

Guth said there are “numerous” health and mental problems associated with homosexuality that “ultimately” shorten the lives of gays and lesbians.

“There are health risks that my family incurs because of the increase of sexually transmitted infections that this lifestyle invites. For example, there are more and more medical tests required before giving blood or giving birth,” Guth said.

Guth said “many civilizations have fallen” because the traditional family was not protected and he argued the homosexual lifestyle “is a lie.”

“If I saw someone going the wrong way on a one-way street, I would make every effort to stop and redirect them,” Guth said. “Simply put, it saves lives to have honest communication not only about the sexually transmitted diseases that shorten lifespans, but also about the deep loneliness that accompanies a life based on youth, beauty and sex.”

Senator Matt McCoy, a Democrat from Des Moines, responded a few minutes later: “I was frankly just a little bit taken aback by some of the things that I heard today, as I know some of my colleagues were as well.”

McCoy disputed Guth’s argument that homosexuality, like second-hand smoke, is a health danger to heterosexuals.

“Much of what you heard today on the floor of the senate is warmed over rhetoric that has been invented by the Christian right, extreme groups,” McCoy said. “…What I heard today was ignorant and I know where it came from and I think that I am not gay by choice. I am not gay by choice, but I choose not to be ignorant.”

The two men made their comments at the opening of the senate’s work day, when senators are given an opportunity to speak on whatever topic they choose during “points of personal privilege.”

AUDIO of Guth’s remarks (mp3 runs nearly 8 min.)

AUDIO of McCoys remarks (mp3 runs nearly 4 min.)