Washington, D.C.– The U.S. House today passed an amendment by Iowa Congressman Steve King that prevents taxpayers from footing the bill for construction of a gay and lesbian center in Los Angeles.

The amendment, which strikes an earmark for the center, was made part of H.R. 5576, the Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act for FY07. The Chairman accepted the amendment and the House voted to approve it.

“This is what happens when Washington is addicted to earmarks,” said King. “Taxpayers end up funding, without their knowledge, an organization that lobbies and advocates for same-sex marriage.”

“The gay and lesbian center in Los Angeles is free to advocate their views, but I do not believe that taxpayers should be forced to subsidize an organization that is so radically opposed to traditional values the overwhelming majority of Americans hold dear.”