"I mean, orphanages are still a possibility for some kids," Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) said in his now criticized comments. | Julio Cortez/AP Photo N.J. lawmaker slams colleague over remarks on LGBTQ adoptions

A Democratic lawmaker criticized a Republican colleague on Wednesday for comments he made to students suggesting that children are better off in orphanages rather than being adopted by LGBTQ families.

“Deeply outraged and offended by @RepChrisSmith ’s bigoted views on LGBTQ adoption,” Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) wrote on Twitter . “Congressman Smith should know that LGBTQ parents are just simply that — parents. They are parents who provide every bit of love and care as their heterosexual neighbors.”


Smith (R-N.J.) made the recorded comments — obtained by the Washington Blade and published on Wednesday — to New Jersey students on May 29 in a Colts Neck High School auditorium during a session that included questions about the lawmaker’s opposition to adoptions by same-sex couples.

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When asked by a student whether he viewed her gay sister as a legitimate parent, Smith said the issue “was legally moot at this point especially, with the Supreme Court decision. She’s free to adopt a child.” He appeared to be referring to the court’s 2015 ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

But when another student pressed him on what made a parent legitimate, Smith pivoted.

“Somebody mentioned orphanages before. I mean, orphanages are still a possibility for some kids,” Smith said before the audio cut off.

Pallone on Wednesday went on to criticize the Trump administration and its policies related to the LGBTQ community.

“We are once again reminded that the fight for equality is far from over,” he wrote . “Trump admin continues to discriminate, whether it be legalizing discrimination against LGBTQ persons seeking healthcare, banning transgender servicemembers or nominating Kavanaugh to #SCOTUS .”