Anti-Gay Chaplain Causes Stir In House

The appearance of a leading gay rights opponent as guest chaplain in the House brought quick protests Thursday from several congresswomen and some staff members.

The Rev. Lou Sheldon of the Traditional Values Coalition “has made a living bashing gays, lesbians and persons with AIDS,” said Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-Calif., who was in the chamber when Sheldon delivered the morning prayer at the start of the House’s business day.

He shouldn’t have been given the “official stamp of approval” that an appearance on the House floor implies, said Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., who joined Woolsey at a news conference.