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Washington, D.C. — Gay rights advocacy groups expressed outraged this week over the 'gay spin' they say the Republican leadership has put on the Mark Foley email scandal involving underage Congressional pages, emphasizing that the ex-congressman’s actions had nothing to do with sexual orientation. 

"It is completely unacceptable, regardless of party or sexual orientation, for an adult to engage in this kind of behavior with a minor," said Joe Solomonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender political organization, in a media statement issued Tuesday. "The American people deserve leaders who confront problems and take responsibility, not leaders who excuse their corruption by trying to pin it on others."

During an interview with FOX News Sunday with Chris Wallace, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich defended the Republican cover-up by stating, "I think, had they overly aggressively reacted to the initial round, they would have also been accused of gay bashing."

In an email alert to members Mondays, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins wrote, "[The House GOP leadership] discounted or downplayed earlier reports concerning Foley's behavior - probably because they did not want to appear 'homophobic'. The Foley scandal shows what happens when political correctness is put ahead of protecting children."

The National Youth Advocacy Coalition, a national nonprofit organization committed to protecting and fighting for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning young people, expressed shock over the "appalling—and potentially criminal—conduct exhibited by a sitting member of the House of Representatives."

"Gay or straight, Congressman Mark Foley’s behavior is like that of a predator who should be arrested and prosecuted for his criminal behavior," said a statement issued by the organization Tuesday. "And those around him who knew, and did not act to stop him, are just as guilty."

Michael Albetta, president of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus, told the South Florida Sun-Sentinal this is a case of a powerful person abusing his position. 

"This does not relate to being gay," Albetta said. "A pedophile is a pedophile whether you're gay or straight. So he's gay. So what?"

Written By Troy Espera
Article provided in partnership with GayWebMonkey.com.