If extremism is a competition, Oregon Democrats are in the finals * WorldNetDaily * by Bob Unruh

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Oregon House of Representatives

If extremism is a competition, Democrat lawmakers in Oregon are in the finals.

They arranged for a drag show to highlight their resolution, from Portland Rep. Travis Nelson, that honors the black drag industry in the state.

Oregon Live waxed eloquent about the event, with, “Isaiah Esquire danced his way through the Oregon House of Representatives on Wednesday to the sounds of Aretha Franklin, followed closely by fellow Black drag performer Aqua Flora, who held a pride flag aloft as they sashayed down the chamber’s center aisle.”

The report noted Speaker Pro Tempore David Gomberg said it was “appropriate” for lawmakers to applaud during the performance.

Nelson said, “Your presence, artistry and courage are a powerful reminder of the joy, resilience and cultural impact of drag in Oregon and beyond. Thank you for sharing your light with us this morning.”

Nelson, as Oregon’s first openly LGBTQ African American lawmaker, offered the self-promoting resolution weeks ago, pointing out that resolutions in the body rarely recognized members of the state’s LGBTQ community.

Just two Republicans supported the measure, with most GOP members not in attendance.

A report from Fox News said drag queens Isaiah Esquire and Aqua Flora lip-synched Aretha Franklin’s “A Deeper Love” and another tune while wearing bright gold outfits and dancing around the room.

Nelson described the performance as “incredible.”

In a statement to Fox News Digital, House Republican Leader Christine Drazan condemned the performance as an “ostentatious display” of “social activism.”

“Yesterday’s ill-advised performance broke our chamber protocols and standards for opening ceremonies in the Oregon House of Representatives. Turning the House Floor into a smokey bar is beneath the dignity of this body. Opening ceremonies are not the time or place for ostentatious displays of political symbols and social activism,” Drazan said.

Bob Unruh

Bob Unruh joined WND in 2006 after nearly three decades with the Associated Press, as well as several Upper Midwest newspapers, where he covered everything from legislative battles and sports to tornadoes and homicidal survivalists. He is currently a news editor for the WND News Center, and also a photographer whose scenic work has been used commercially. Read more of Bob Unruh's articles here.