Bonita Springs, FL – Florida Governor Rick Scott dodged reporters’ questions about what he thought about the July 17 ruling that found the state’s ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional.
On July 18 South Florida reporters asked Scott what he thought about the ruling and immediate appeal made by Florida Attorney Pam Bondi, and he wouldn’t directly answer any of their questions, the Miami Herald reported.
“Nobody wants discrimination in our state,” Scott said in Bonita Springs, adding that he believes “in traditional marriage” and citizens’ access to the courts, the Herald reported.
The LGBT community and supporters feel the current amendment banning same-sex marriage is unconstitutional and feel it is discriminatory. Scott wouldn’t say what he thought on the issue but claimed it was what voters wanted in 2008.
“Aren’t you trying to have it both ways?” WPLG’s Michael Putney asked Scott Friday in Miami.
“People have different view about it our state,” Scott replied. “But in 2008, the voters decided that this state would be a traditional marriage state. It’s going through the court system. But what’s important to me is I don’t want anybody discriminated against.”
Scott not only wouldn’t directly answer questions on the topic, he also completely changed the subject.
Putney: Aren’t gays being discriminated against?
Scott: “I’m against any discrimination. But in 2008, the voters decided this would be a traditional marriage state.”
Putney: “Are you…”
Scott (cutting him off): “Let’s talk about jobs – 37,000 jobs in a month! It’s the biggest jump! Michael! Michael! This is our biggest month since I got elected,” Scott said. “We’re over 620,000 jobs [created]. When I ran in 2010, I said seven steps to 700,000 jobs over seven years. And a lot of people questioned whether we could do that…. We’re at 620,000. What’s so exciting is 37,000 a month. I mean I just still think about my dad, watching his face when the only car we had got repossessed. That’s what I want to help with.”
Putney: “Well, congratulations on these numbers.”
