The police chief of a small South Carolina town was fired this week, and she says it’s because she’s gay. The mayor of Latta, S.C. fired Crystal Moore immediately after giving her seven written reprimands on the same day, covering supposed infractions that took place weeks apart. One city council member called those reprimands “questionable.”
In a recorded telephone call obtained by WBTW, Mayor Earl Bullard can be heard attacking gay people in a conversation with Town Councilman Jared Taylor.
“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.”
A WLTX news report, below, shows dozens of supporters of Chief Moore embracing her and protesting the mayor’s decision to fire her. According to the report, Mayor Bullard also did not follow protocol by firing Moore without conferring with the town’s attorney or city council.
Notes from a February, 2012 town council meeting show that Moore was promoted after then Polcie Chief Bobby Powers retired. Moore was promoted with her predecessor’s recommendation.
HRC’s Vice President of Communications, Fred Sainz, offered this statement, and HRC is calling for Moore’s reinstatement.
“By all accounts, Chief Moore has served the people of Latta, SC well for over 20 years. On the surface this looks a like clear-cut case of employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. Without explicit federal or state employment protections, a decorated police chief is left to fend for herself.”
Watch:
http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isSlim=1