Cape Cod Official In Hot Water Over Gay Comments

BEACON HILL, MA – A Cape Cod official's tweet about gay politicians is drawing ire from his colleagues. In a poll to his Twitter followers Tuesday, Barnstable County Commissioner Ron Beaty asked, "Generally speaking, are gay politicians too self-absorbed and self-centered to adequately represent ALL of their constituents in a fair and equitable manner?"

The poll remained active Wednesday morning amid backlash from other local politicians, including some in Beaty's party. State Rep. Tim Whelan, a Republican representing Brewster, called on Beaty to resign, according to the Cape Cod Times. State Sen. Vinny deMacedo, a Plymouth Republican, said he "can't believe we're having this conversation."

State Sen. Julian Cyr, a Democrat from Truro who is openly gay, said he was "disappointed" to hear about Beaty's comments, the Times reported. Cyr and another openly gay official on Cape Cod, Democratic state Rep. Sarah Peake, were recently named to leadership roles at the state house.

Beaty told the Times his question wasn't directed at any politician in particular, but he "had people make some statements to me in recent weeks" and wanted to see people's thoughts.

Photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch Staff