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JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI -- State Representative Zachary Wyatt has announced publicly that he is gay and called upon GOP leaders to end legislation that would limit discussion of sexual orientation in public schools. 

The Republican held a Capitol news conference Wednesday at which he said he was disclosing his sexual orientation for the first time. Wyatt and several other lawmakers denounced a bill that would prohibit teaching, extracurricular activities or materials that discuss sexual orientation, unless they relate to the scientific facts about human reproduction.

KTVO had our camera at the Kirksville Post Office shortly after Wyatt's announcement. We asked postal patrons if they had heard of Wyatt's announcement and what they thought about it? Many of them supported Wyatt's decision to announce that he is gay.

"I have no problem with gays," said Sharon Pritchard, a Kirksville resident.  "I don't see anything wrong with it. I don't know why he waited so long to say anything. All this hullabaloo about gays is really ridiculous. Everybody's a person. We're all people. It doesn't matter. Humanity is more important than our persuasion."

"I think that's wonderful that he came out. That's great," said Nikki Kelsey, of Columbia, Mo. She said she knew Wyatt when he was a kid because her family is from Novinger.

"I'm really glad that he had the courage to say that. I think everybody should be able to be public about that," said Brian Toomey, who lives in Kirksville but is originally from Rhode Island.

"Your preference of who you like is up to you. I think that the world should just be more encouraging," said Liz Schrum, who is from Marshalltown, Iowa.

"I never was really big into this. I mean if it's going to make a feller happy, you know...Yeah, I know you got all the haters out there but I mean who is one person to deny another person's happiness, you know?," said Colton Hurley, of Kirksville, Mo.

"I think that he shouldn't have came out in public and say that, cause a lot of people ain't gonna vote for him," said Glen Maheu.

"It's a shame I guess to hear this. I'm kind of disappointed. I think he's a good legislator. Everyone makes their own choices in life. I think being a Christian I can't say I condone what he's doing. I think it goes clearly against scripture," said Kevin Sevits, of Kirksville.  "I think as a person, he's a fine person."

The bill appears unlikely to pass before the session ends May 18, but it has generated attention. Comedian Stephen Colbert mocked the Missouri proposal on his television show.

The legislation is sponsored by Republican Rep. Steve Cookson, who says he won't withdraw the bill.

You can see Rep. Wyatt's complete statement here.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.