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# Pennsylvania lawmaker apologises for mocking Dr Rachel Levine
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/pennsylvania-lawmaker-apologises-for-mocking-dr-rachel-levine/
- Published: 2021-01-26T09:01:41.000Z
- Updated: 2021-01-25T09:02:40.000Z
- Description: Pennsylvania state representative, Jeff Pyle, has publicly apologised after mocking the appearance of newly appointed national health secretary, Dr Rachel Levine.
- Author: Rachel Badham
- Tags: News, Politics, COVID-19, Dr Rachel Levine, Joe Biden, LGBTQ, Pennsylvania, Trans Rights, Transgender

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/jeff-pyle-1.jpg)

Jeff Pyle apologised for mocking Dr Rachel Levine

**Pennsylvania** state representative, **Jeff Pyle**, has publicly apologised after mocking the appearance of [newly appointed ](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/dr-rachel-levine-made-us-health-secretary/)national health secretary, **Dr Rachel Levine** – the first trans woman to fill the governmental position. According to the [**Independent**](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/legislator-mocks-trans-biden-nominee-on-facebook-apologizes-joe-biden-facebook-nominee-apology-harrisburg-b1791752.html?ref=scenemag.co.uk), Pyle shared a mocking post of Levine on social media, after which he received *“tens of thousands of heated emails”* criticising his actions.

Pyle claimed he *“had no idea”* the controversial post *“would be…received as poorly as it was”*. He continued: *“I owe an apology and I offer it humbly. From this situation I have learned to not poke fun at people different than me and to hold my tongue. Be a bigger man,*” but did not offer a direct apology to Levine, who has not yet commented on the situation. Some Facebook users called for him to resign.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/r-levine-1.jpg)

Dr Rachel Levine has been appointed as a national health secretary

Despite the events with Pyle, Levine, who played a key role in Pennsylvania’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, has been praised by many for obtaining the role of assistant health secretary, including president **Joe Biden** who said: *“Dr. Rachel Levine will bring the steady leadership and essential expertise we need to get people through this pandemic — no matter their zip code, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability — and meet the public health needs of our country in this critical moment and beyond. She is a historic and deeply qualified choice to help lead our administration’s health efforts.”*