Police Chief Fired For Being Gay Might Get Her Job Back (Video)

Crystal Moore, the Latta, South Carolina police chief who was apparently fired by Mayor Earl Bullard for being gay, might be getting her job back in a few months. The town council over the past week held several key votes, including one that prohibits the mayor from hiring anyone for the chief of police position for at least 60 days, and one that would, if residents allow, remove most of the mayor’s power. Both votes were unanimous, a tremendous stance for equality in a deeply-red state.

“Last week, the council voted to allow a town-wide referendum in 60 days on whether to change the basic governing structure of the town from ‘mayor-strong’ to ‘council-strong’ – which would strip some powers from the Mayor,” WBTW reports.

Council members say that if the town becomes council-strong-mayor-weak within 60 days they will vote to re-hire Chief Moore.

“I don’t want to make an irresponsible decision now to hire somebody and do it hastily because of current situations and to find out 60 or 70 days down the road that we have all intentions of hiring Chief Moore …. and that person is left high and dry,” said Council member Jarrett Taylor.

The second vote of the night – also 6-0 – was to show support Moore, who had been with the police department for more than 20 years.

Moore was fired one week ago, after which an audio recording surfaced of Mayor Bullard making these comments:

“I would much rather have.. and I will say this to anybody’s face… somebody who drank and drank too much taking care of my child than I had somebody whose lifestyle is questionable around children.

“Because that ain’t the damn way it’s supposed to be. You know…you got people out there — I’m telling you buddy — I don’t agree with some of the lifestyles that I see portrayed and I don’t say anything because that is the way they want to live, but I am not going to let my child be around.

“I’m not going to let two women stand up there and hold hands and let my child be aware of it. And I’m not going to see them do it with two men neither.”

“I’m not going to do it. Because that ain’t the way the world works.

“Now, all these people showering down and saying ‘Oh it’s a different lifestyle they can have it.’ Ok, fine and dandy, but I don’t have to look at it and I don’t want my child around it.”

Moore says she just wants to get back to serving the residents of her community.

Watch:

WBTW-TV: News, Weather, and Sports for Florence, SC

Hat tip: Holy Bullies and Headless Monsters