California Governor Gavin Newsom has been caught in a whirlwind of controversy after he mischaracterized a Tennessee city ordinance, claiming it “banned being gay in public.” This statement, however, was quickly debunked by critics who pointed out that the law actually targets indecent exposure and lewd behavior, especially in front of minors.

The ordinance, passed by Murfreesboro City Council in June and amended in October, eliminated the term “homosexuality” from its definition banning inappropriate sexual conduct. Despite this clarity, Newsom took to Twitter, stating, “A city in Tennessee has banned being gay in public. This is just the beginning. We have to call this out.”

A city in Tennessee has banned being gay in public.

This is just the beginning. We have to call this out. https://t.co/0G1i7dKTgp

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) November 16, 2023

This tweet quickly garnered backlash on social media, with users highlighting Newsom’s misleading interpretation of the law. One Twitter user stated, “Commiefornia Governor @GavinNewsom is spreading the lie that ‘being gay in public’ has been banned in the state of Tennessee. That is NOT true. The Tennessee law regulates against indecent exposure and lewd behavior in public, in the presence of minors, for ALL people.”

Commiefornia Governor @GavinNewsom is spreading the lie that "being gay in public" has been banned in the state of Tennessee. That is NOT true.

The Tennessee law regulates against indecent exposure and lewd behavior in public, in the presence of minors, for ALL people —… https://t.co/6xguRHFrzL

— Gays Against Groomers (@againstgrmrs) November 17, 2023

The ordinance itself is designed to promote public decency and maintain a family-friendly environment. It explicitly states: “No person shall knowingly while in a public space engage in indecent behavior, display, distribute, or broadcast indecent material, conduct indecent events, or facilitate any of the foregoing prohibited acts…”

Gavin Newsom thinks being gay means exposing yourself in public. https://t.co/5xZ8Wuuqow pic.twitter.com/Wu2ohUM6lX

— Seth Dillon (@SethDillon) November 17, 2023

This is not the first time Newsom has been accused of spreading misinformation. In April 2023, he claimed that books were banned and speech was limited at New College in Florida, a statement that was swiftly debunked by Christopher Rufo, one of the college’s trustees.

Rufo rebutted Newsom’s claims, stating, “@GavinNewsom is spreading lies and falsely claiming that ‘books are banned’ at New College of Florida. He wants to put all Americans under the boot of DEI commissars and California’s failed policies.”

The criticism Newsom faced over these incidents highlights the importance of accuracy in public statements, especially when they concern sensitive subjects such as LGBTQ+ rights and education. Misinformation can lead to unnecessary tension and confusion, underscoring the need for transparency and truth in our political discourse.