GOP rep: ‘It does matter’ that gays were targeted in Orlando

Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) on Wednesday offered condolences to the gay community, saying it “does matter” they were targeted in Sunday’s nightclub shooting in Orlando. 

{mosads}”I think it’s clear that gays were targeted in Orlando. It does matter, and it’s tragic they were targeted because of their sexual orientation,” King said on CNN’s “New Day.” 

Following the shootings at the gay nightclub over the weekend, many Republicans were quick to offer their sympathies but didn’t mention the gay community. 

But King said those targeted at the gay nightclub have “equal standing with God.” 

“I’ve talked with hundreds of conservatives on this side of the aisle. No one brings up the fact in any derogatory way or even mentions it to that extent,” King said. 

“It’s tragic, and we’re sorry about that. They are in our prayers as if they were the Christians that were slaughtered in Charleston, S.C., some time back. Equal standing with God, Chris.”

Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) did acknowledge Tuesday the shooter targeted the gay community. 

“Let’s be clear: this was another act of war against America by radical Islam,” Ryan said. “At the same time, let’s also be clear members of the LGBT community were the targets. They were simply attacks for who they are. This is an ideology that rejects who we are as a country: open, tolerant, free.”