Michigan Lawmaker Apologizes For Calling California 'Land Of Fruits And Nuts'
LANSING, Mich. (AP) - A Michigan legislator is apologizing for a comment some say was derogatory toward homosexuals.
GOP Rep. Al Pscholka of Stevensville made the remark on the House floor Wednesday in support of bills that would eliminate a requirement that people installing, making or repairing a residential chair lift be licensed elevator contractors.
"In Michigan it costs nearly twice, nearly double that of unregulated surrounding states to install these simple residential lifts, higher costs encourage people to buy their products in neighboring states. Sometimes they even install them themselves. And in a district like mine, Indiana is only a short drive away.
"California—even California, the land of fruits and nuts—has deregulated this industry. (pause) Probably shouldn't have said that. Sorry Mr. Speaker."
Some lawmakers and others say the expression was offensive toward homosexuals.
Some Democratic House members took to Twitter to call the comment "derogatory" and "classless."
Pscholka says the comment was intended to be "jocular and not derogatory."
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.
