Representative Robert Pittenger (R-NC) is courting controversy for remarks made at a recent town hall meeting in response to a question asking whether or not he supported the Employment Non-Discrimination Act – which would protect LGBT people from discrimination in the workplace.

Responded Pittenger:

“It’s like smoking bans. Do you ban smoking or do people have the right to private property? I think people have the right to private property… If you have a business, do you want the government to come in and tell you you need to hire somebody? Why should government be there to impose on the freedoms we enjoy?”

Backlash was swift, with gay rights groups and even the Charlotte Observer calling out Pittenger’s stance. The paper wrote an op-ed Tuesday saying Pittenger’s flawed argument could’ve been made for racial discrimination in the past.

Watch a NBC Charlotte news report on the story, AFTER THE JUMP…

In an attempt to clarify his comments, Pittenger issued a statement to the station Wednesday saying:

“The statutes are clear, that Americans are well protected already. We should fully enforce current laws against discrimination. I hear America’s cry for more jobs and a stronger economy, not more federal regulations added to the vast maze of federal regulations we have already. That can only stifle the ability of entrepreneurs to create new businesses and new jobs. It’s incredibly hard to operate or start a business already, and I don’t think America is begging for more obstacles to an economic recovery. Where does it stop? Is the next regulation going to prohibit a layoff even during an economic downturn? Will the next law mandate full employment? Where does the government’s role in dictating our daily lives end? That’s the debate we should be having.”

Contrary to Pittenger’s idiotic follow-up statement’s implications, North Carolina and 28 other states continue to have no protections for LGBT people facing discrimination in the workplace.

An ENDA discharge petition being pushed by Rep. Jared Polis currently has the support of 75 lawmakers – all of whom are Democrats.