Ohio judge apologizes for calling gay people “savages” who deserve to die of AIDS
A judge in Ohio says he no longer holds the homophobic beliefs he used to spout in college.
Maumee Municipal Court Judge Dan Hazard issued an apology this week after several vile letters to the editor he wrote as a sophomore in college resurfaced.
The letters were published in Ohio State University’s student newspaper The Lantern in the early 1990s.
In one letter, published in December 1992, Hazard advocates for cutting AIDS funding because “95% of those inflicted with the deadly disease pretty much deserve it anyway.” Then he proudly declares himself a homophobe.
“I am homophobic because I am afraid for the future of this nation,” he states.
He continues, “These people think they deserve equal treatment under the law. I challenge anyone to name any civilized nation that looks at queers as ‘normal’ human beings. There just aren’t any.”
In another, published in April 1993, Hazard callsgay people “savages,” “unethical,” and “immoral” and demands they “keep your AIDS to yourself.”
In a third letter, also published in April 1993, Hazard takes aim at Ohio State students who had recently attended the March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation.
“With most of them gone this past weekend, it doesn’t matter if the 300,000 in Washington was a success or not, it was a success here on campus,” Hazard wrote.
He went on to say that their absence from classes allowed him to “see what this campus could be like with the removal of gays from our society.”
Copies of the first and second letter can be found in The Lantern’s online archives.
When editors at The Toledo Blade unearthed Hazard’s old letters and asked him for a comment, the judge issued a statement saying he no longer holds those beliefs and is, in fact, horrified by what he wrote nearly 30 years ago.
“I have zero excuse and could not attempt to justify it then or now,” he said. “It was hurtful to anyone that saw it in 1993 or today. I am sorry that it will hurt even more people today including my gay and transgender family and friends whom I love dearly.
Hazard went on to call his words as a young man “reprehensible” and “deplorable,” and to say that he has many gay friend and clients today, and that one of the very first weddings he officiated was for a same-sexcouple.
“Every day I treat every litigant and attorney with that same respect no matter their background, experience or gender identity and will continue to do so,” he said. “I am glad that this allows me to clarify my views that have drastically changed over time. Respect is owed not only in the courtroom but in all of society.”
Hazard is a registered Republican, according to online voter records. Prior to being elected judge in 2017, he worked as a lawyer for 16 years.
A leadership team of three women with “lesbian-like” relationships – Jane Addams, Sophonisba Breckinridge and Anna Howard Shaw – took control of the suffrage movement in 1911.
My research suggests that the personal lives of these suffrage leaders shaped their political agendas. Rather than emphasizing differences of gender, race, ethnicity and class, they advanced equal rights for all Americans.
Emphasizing differences
Suffrage scholarship has long acknowledged a shift “from justice to expediency” – from an emphasis on natural rights to an emphasis on gender distinctions – in the movement at the turn of the century.
The 1848 Declaration of Sentiments, a founding document of the suffrage struggle, proudly insisted that “all men and women are created equal.”
However, by the early 20th century, many of the movement’s new adherents emphasized women’s differences from men. To gain support, they argued that female voters would engage in “social housekeeping” and “clean up” corrupt politics.
By the 1890s, some had begun to advocate “educated suffrage,” code for literacy requirements that would extend voting rights to educated, white, middle-class women, but prevent many African Americans, immigrants and working-class citizens from casting ballots.
Shaw relied on her companion and secretary, Lucy E. Anthony – suffrage pioneer Susan B. Anthony’s niece – to assist her in guiding the woman suffrage movement.
Addams, head of the Chicago settlement house Hull House, enjoyed a long and loving relationship with philanthropist Mary Rozet Smith, who supported her both emotionally and financially. As Addams’ nephew explained, Smith dedicated herself to “making life easier for Jane Addams. That was her career.”
To counter such stereotypes, suffrage leaders promoted a public image of conventional femininity. Shaw, who previously sported short hair, grew her hair long and wore it in a conservative chignon.
“I learned that no woman in public life can afford to make herself conspicuous by any eccentricity of dress or appearance,” she noted, because negative attention “injures the cause she represents.”
Suffrage leaders also emphasized women’s roles as wives and mothers. Addams and Breckinridge were founding members of the Woman’s City Club of Chicago, which produced a popular pro-suffrage graphic that illustrated the connections between domestic life and local government. NAWSA adopted the image as its own, featuring it on suffrage posters.
To avoid criticism and gain support, NAWSA’s leaders upheld conventional femininity. But this was not the whole story.
Demanding equality for all
In a 1910 speech, Breckinridge predicted that the time was coming “when man and woman would stand on the same industrial plane and their wages would be equalized by an equal social condition.”
Breckinridge’s lesbian-like lifestyle helps explain her stance on gender equality. As a single, self-supporting woman, she understood that many women, like herself, could not rely on men for financial security.
HRC TO HONOR CNN ANCHOR DON LEMON FOR LGBTQ VISIBILITY AND ADVOCACY AT ANNUAL TIME TO THRIVE CONFERENCE: “Don Lemon has been an outspoken voice for the LGBTQ community in the media and beyond for many years, and we could not be more proud to honor him at this year’s Time to THRIVE,” said HRC President Alphonso David (@AlphonsoDavid). “As one of the most recognizable individuals on television today, Don serves as an inspiration to LGBTQ young people across the country.” The seventh annual Time to THRIVE Conference will be held Feb. 14-16 in Washington, D.C. More from HRC and Essence.
Actress and trans advocateNicole Maines (@NicoleAMaines) and National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) Black Youth Advocate and Ambassador Camika Shelby will also be honored at the conference for their work on behalf of the LGBTQ community — particularly LGBTQ young people.
JAIME HARRISON FOR U.S. SENATE IN SOUTH CAROLINA: “Jaime Harrison’s demonstrated record of support for LGBTQ people and families stands in stark contrast with his opponent, who has refused to support non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people despite over 58% of South Carolinians supporting those protections,” said HRC President Alphonso David. More from HRC.
SEN. DOUG JONES FOR REELECTION IN ALABAMA: “Senator Doug Jones has been one of our community’s strongest advocates in the United States Senate, and we’re proud to stand by his side as he runs for reelection,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “As a co-sponsor of the Equality Act, Senator Jones’ demonstrated record of support for LGBTQ people and families stands in stark contrast with his opponents, who have long histories of using their power and offices to attack LGBTQ people at every opportunity.” More from HRC and Alabama Political Reporter.
MARK KELLY FOR U.S. SENATE IN ARIZONA: “Kelly’s demonstrated record and commitment of support for LGBTQ people and families stands in stark contrast with his opponent, who has refused to support non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people despite over 68% of Arizonans supporting those protections,” said HRC President Alphonso David. More from HRC.
REP. BEN RAY LUJÁN FOR U.S. SENATE IN NEW MEXICO: “As a co-sponsor of the Equality Act, Congressman Luján’s demonstrated record of support for LGBTQ people and families stands in stark contrast with his opponents, who have refused to support non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people despite over 73% of New Mexicans supporting those protections,” said HRC President Alphonso David. More from HRC.
SEN. GARY PETERS FOR REELECTION IN MICHIGAN: “Senator Gary Peters has been one of our community’s strongest advocates in the United States Senate, and we’re proud to stand by his side as he runs for reelection,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “As a co-sponsor of the Equality Act, Senator Peters’ demonstrated record of support for LGBTQ people and families stands in stark contrast with his opponent, who has refused to support non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people.” More from HRC.
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GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS
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Politician sorry for antigay rant, offers to visit gay bars to educate himself
Last week, Queerty brought you the story of a city councilor in the UK who gave a bizarre antigay rant during a council meeting.
Glenn Williams, who serves on Coventry city council in the Midlands of England, was speaking out about what children are being taught in schools. He took particular umbrage upon hearing that a teacher had talked about “coming out” and shown kids an image of two women kissing – something he regarded as “pornography.”
Local schools in the area hit the headlines last year because of parent protests over lessons that included diversity awareness and anti-LGBTQ bullying initiatives.
“What we should have is a policy that promotes traditional family values. Not how to be promiscuous, but how to respect traditional family values,” said Williams.
His speech was caught on camera and went viral on social media, leading some to call for his resignation.
Instead, Williams accepted an invitation to sit down on Tuesday with local Pride organizers, other city councilors, and gay teacher Andrew Moffat. The award-winning educator is the man behind the ‘No Outsiders’ education project that has prompted some parents to complain.
It seems the meeting had a big impact on Williams, who apologized for his previous remarks.
Coventry Pride posted a video about the meeting on Wednesday. Williams apologizes at the 3.25 mark.
“I’m really grateful to have met with members of Coventry Pride. They have really helped me a lot, more than people might realize.
“I just need to tell you, to members of the LGBT community and others, I owe you such a big apology and that is meant very sincerely, very sincerely indeed.
“The unfortunate use of words – not intended to cause offense and I had no idea about how far that would go – and actually I’m really grateful to Coventry Pride for what they have done tonight and what I hope we can do in the future.”
Nyasha Pitt, vice-chair and trustee for Coventry Pride, said, “We will be working with Cllr Williams to further his education and we ask that the community gives us the time to do that.
Williams also took to Twitter to say he had benefitted from the conversation.
“I’m glad we all came together for frank discussions. It helped me and I hope it helped you.
“I owe you more than an apology; let’s keep working together to help benefit children, parents & all of our residents from across different communities.”
I’m glad we all came together for frank discussions. It helped me and I hope it helped you.
I owe you more than an apology; let’s keep working together to help benefit children, parents & all of our residents from across different communities.
Williams has also offered to further his education in other ways.
When the original video of his speech surfaced last week, a local radio DJ asked Williams online if he’d like to join him at a well-known local gay bar, The Yard, for a drink.
We will even give you a free drink, as long as you leave your bigoted views outside!
The Yard bar tweeted it would happily host the councilor and give him a free drink if he left his views, “at the door.”
Williams responded Wednesday: “I am happy to meet at @TheYardCoventry and talk to any of the clientele if they will have me. I hope the offer of a free gin & tonic is still available.”
I am happy to meet at @TheYardCoventry and talk to any of the clientele if they will have me. I hope the offer of a free gin & tonic is still available.
In a later tweet, he told the DJ, John JD Dalziel, “I will ask my secretary to check my diary, then I will get back to you privately.”
This is not the first time Williams has apologized for causing offense. In 2016, he made headlines when details of a Whatsapp conversation became public. In it, he said that non-English speakers should “go home” and that he “didn’t believe in multi-culturalism.”
He told press at the time he stood by the comments, which were just meant as “banter,” but apologized if anyone took offense to them.
Ohio GOP Judge Sorry for Letter Telling Gay People, ‘Please Keep Your AIDS to Yourself’
A municipal judge in Ohio has apologized for penning horrific anti-LGBTQ letters that were published in Ohio State University’s student newspaper in the early 1990s.
Judge Dan Hazard of Maumee wrote the letters while a sophomore at OSU, in 1992 and 1993. Although his seat is nonpartisan, Hazard is a registered Republican, according to the Toledo Blade. He was elected in 2017.
In the first letter published by The Lantern, Hazard argued the government should cut off funding for HIV and AIDS because “95 percent of those inflicted with the deadly disease pretty much deserve it anyway.”
“There has been a recent outcry on the behalf of these ‘citizens’ for equal treatment under the law,” Hazard wrote. “Equal treatment for people that many still think of as savages … These people think they deserve equal treatment under the law. I challenge anyone to name any civilized nation that looks at queers as ‘normal’ human beings. There just aren’t any.”
In another letter, shortly after the 1993 March on Washington, Hazard thanked LGBTQ Buckeyes who traveled to the capital for the event for “opening my eyes.”
“I now see what this campus could be like with the removal of gays from our society,” he wrote. “With most of them gone this past weekend, it doesn’t matter if the 300,000 in Washington was a success or not, it was a success here on campus.”
Hazard went on to cite statistics from the Family Research Council, since named an anti-LGBTQ hate group, about the life expectancy of gaymen and people with HIV.
“Yet these immoral and unethical people continue to smother the other 99 percent of us (the heterosexual majority) with their propaganda presenting the homosexual lifestyle as a safe and normal one,” Hazard wrote. “I see these stats as good news, but I beg the homosexual community one thing: Please keep your AIDS to yourselves. You have killed many innocent children, a few innocent adults (blood transfusions) and a number of not-so-innocent and irresponsible heterosexuals. Aren’t these deaths enough to draw attention to yourselves? Do you need to hold the country prisoner any longer with your lies and deceit?”
After WTOL-TV unearthed the letters, Hazard issued an apology.
“The letter posted here was reprehensible and deplorable,” Hazard said. “I wrote this and another of the same tone as a teenage college student 27 years ago and by no means hold those beliefs today. I have zero excuse and could not attempt to justify it then or now. It was hurtful to anyone that saw it in 1993 or today. I am sorry that it will hurt even more people today including my gay and transgendered family and friends whom I love dearly.
“Throughout my career, I have befriended and represented many gay clients. I have done so zealously without reservation. One of the first weddings I officiated after taking the bench was of a same sexcouple. I did so with respect and dignity. Every day I treat every litigant and attorney with that same respect no matter their background, experience or gender identity and will continue to do so.
“I am glad that this allows me to clarify my views that have drastically changed over time. Respect is owed not only in the courtroom, but in all of society.”