Roseanne Says Gays Are Egoistic

Roseanne Barr seems to have an issue with gay and lesbian people in general, and gay and lesbian activists in particular. On her radio show on the station KCAA, Roseanne came with the following statements:

"Never once in my 54 years have I ever once heard a gay or lesbian person who's politically active say one thing about anything that was not about them. They don't care about minimum wage, they don't care about any other group other than their own self because you know, some people say being gay and lesbian is a totally narcissistic thing and sometimes I wonder."

"I've never heard any of them say anything except for "accept me 'cause I'm gay."

"It's just, it's screwed. It's no different than the evangelicals, it's the same mindset. They want you to accept Jesus and you guys want us to all believe it's ok to be gay. And a lot of us, a lot of them, I do, I don't give a damn who anybody has sex with, as long as they're not underage and an animal. I don't give a damn, it's none of my damn business. I'm just sick of all the divisiveness, it's not getting any of us anywhere."

Several gay rights groups are saying they are shocked and disappointed with Barr's comments.

"Politically active gays and lesbians are involved in many issues and they're giving back to their communities," said Victory Fund president Chuck Wolfe, who called for an immediate apology.

"Her remarks are all the more surprising given her previous support and understanding of the LGBT community," Wolfe said.

As just one example, he pointed out a news story earlier this week about Patricia Todd, the first openly gay person ever elected in the state of Alabama. The article highlighted her work in the State House of Representatives to establish a state minimum wage in Alabama.

"Roseanne is just flat wrong in her comments," said Brad Luna, spokesman for the Human Rights Campaign.

"There are obviously GLBT police officers, firefighters, doctors, teachers and many other professions where everyday they get out of bed and go to work to try and create a better society for all Americans. In fact, I don’t think someone like Eric Alva, the first American servicemember wounded in Iraq, was only concerned about himself when he sacrificed his leg on the battlefield," Luna said.