Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) swung by a Chicago-area synagogue for a worship
service on the eve of Yom Kippur last week, upsetting congregants and provoking
one man to mount a campaign for her Democratic challenger before the end of the
night, the Chicago Tribune reports.
According to the Tribune, Rabbi Michael Siegel of Anshe Emet
Synagogue observed protocol by offering a customary greeting to Bachmann during
the services. While elected officials are traditionally acknowledged during such
events at the temple, the presence of the conservative Minnesota firebrand
prompted particular displeasure.
Some reportedly walked out of the ceremony, while
Gary Sircus, a 25-year member of Anshe Emet Synagogue, voiced more active
opposition to Bachmann's attendance.
"Our congregation values and embodies tolerance,
compassion, respect for individual rights, intelligence, science -- all of the
things that I think Michele Bachmann stands against," said Sircus, according to
the Tribune
Bachmann has been a vocal supporter of Israel and an
unabashed opponent of gay rights, an awkward policy duo on that particular
night; Siegel told the Tribune that the
night's service had included a piece honoring Israel for its openness to the
LGBT community.
Among Bachmann's many controversial statements about
the LGBT community, she has likened homosexuality to "bondage," "child abuse"
and "sexual dysfunction."
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