The state senator sponsoring what’s come to be known as “Don’t Say Gay” legislation is under fire for remarks he made about homosexuality on digital radio this week. Knoxville Republican Stacey Campfield is sponsoring a bill to bar discussion of homosexuality in schools. That prompted a messy exchange on the Sirius XM channel OutQ.

Campfield argued for about 20-minutes with an antagonistic Michelangelo Signorile (SEEN-er-ell-ee). The men sparred over whether being gay is natural, with Campfield comparing it to bestiality.

Campfield: “What is the average lifespan of a homosexual? It’s very short.”
Signorile: “The average lifespan is the same as a heterosexual.”
Campfield: “No, that’s not true.”
Signorile: “I’m a homosexual, I’m alive. I’m 50 years old.”
Campfield: “Anybody out there who’s listening – your twelve listeners on your show, you have them Google ‘average homosexual lifespan.’ It’s very short.”

Asked why he thinks being gay is harmful, Campfield points to the AIDS pandemic, claiming it’s almost impossible for straight people to spread the disease through sex. Signorile responds, “Are you serious?”

Campfield’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill passed the state senate last year, and is now being taken up by the house.