Annapolis, MD – Equality Maryland, Maryland’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender advocacy organization, thanked Governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. Friday for his actions in swiftly removing anti-gay Metro Board Member Robert J. Smith, an Ehrlich appointee.

During a political roundtable discussion on a Sunday Montgomery County cable show, Smith said, "Homosexual behavior, in my opinion, is deviant. I'm a Roman Catholic."

"All fair-minded Marylanders should appreciate the action taken by Governor Ehrlich in swiftly and seriously addressing these repugnant comments by his appointee. It is good that he recognized that such hostile and hateful comments about any group of people makes him inappropriate for public service," said Dan Furmansky, Executive Director of Equality Maryland.

According to a statement released by Governor Ehlrich, "Robert Smith's comments were highly inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable. They are in direct conflict to my administration's commitment to inclusion, tolerance and opportunity."

"Certainly our Governor deserves thanks for acting appropriately in this situation," said Gita Deane, a lead plaintiff in Maryland's equal marriage rights lawsuit. "Lisa, our children and I only wish the governor understood that 'inclusion, tolerance and opportunity' extends to keeping Maryland's constitution discrimination free."