GOP state lawmaker blocks resolution honoring LGBT marching band because... well, let’s guess

• Joeff Davis/CL File
• State Rep. Matt Ramsey, R-Peachtree City

Honorary resolutions under the Gold Dome are typically ceremonial procedures. These formal motions commend students for outstanding academic achievements, congratulate the elderly for still living, or create minor holidays that don’t really matter. State lawmakers make these harmless recognitions to honor their local constituents.

So what happens when an openly gay state lawmaker tries to officially congratulate a LGBT ensemble on 20th anniversary and for performing at an international LGBT conference? It gets blocked.

State Rep. Matt Ramsey, R-Peachtree City, asked yesterday to delay a vote on a resolution sponsored by state Rep. Karla Drenner, D-Avondale Estates, that would recognize the Atlanta Freedom Marching Bands. (Drenner sent CL a copy of the resolution yesterday afternoon, which we’ve posted after the jump.)

Ramsey said that he asked for a decision to be delayed because some GOP caucus members had questions about the resolution. “Nothing more, nothing less,” he told the AJC.

But given how infrequently lawmakers block resolutions, it’s hard to imagine any other reason other than the fact that it commends an LGBT organization. After all, this is a politician who carried the state’s anti-immigration legislation. You do the math.

Note that Ramsey sponsored a House resolution this session recognizing the McIntosh High School Lady Chiefs, a soccer team that plays in his district, after they won a state championship. Fellow lawmakers paid him the courtesy of not blocking the resolution.

CL reached out to Ramsey last night regarding the House resolution. If we hear any more details, we’ll post an update.