FSC Hero of the Month: Rep Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)
The Free Speech Coalition names Rep. Zoe Lofgren as our Free Speech Hero of the Month. In language direct and uncompromising, Rep Lofgren called out anti-trans bigotry by Gail Heriot, a member of the United States Commission on Civil Rights.
Ms. Heriot, in submitting official testimony against accommodations for trans students, suggested that trans individuals were delusional, and compared the struggle over gender identity to that of a mentally unstable person believing herself to be a Russian princess or a horned owl.
Too often, politicians hold their tongue or equivocate in the face of controversial issues. Rep Lofgren did neither.
“We allow witnesses to say offensive things, but I cannot allow that kind of bigotry to go into the record unchallenged,” Lofgran told the committee.
“I found this rather offensive, and it says to me that the witness really doesn’t know anything and probably has never met a transgender child who is going through, in almost every case, a very difficult experience finding themselves. I think it’s very regrettable that comment was put into the record, and I think it’s highly offensive. I think you’re a bigot, lady, I think you are an ignorant bigot.”
The Free Speech Coalition applauds Rep. Lofgren for her courage, grit and uncompromising support of transgender rights. We have submitted the following letter to President Obama, asking for the removal of Ms. Heriot from the Commission on Civil Rights.
DEAR PRESIDENT OBAMA,
We heard with great dismay the testimony of Gail Heriot, during the House Judiciary Committee hearing this week on transgender accommodations.
Ms. Heriot, in submitting official testimony against accommodations for trans students, suggested that trans individuals were delusional, and compared the struggle over gender identity to that of a mentally unstable person believing herself to be a Russian princess, or a horned owl.
For a member of the United States Commission on Civil Rights to openly mock transgender individuals, and the challenges they face, to champion prejudice over science, and to advocate institutionalizing discrimination and stigma is unconscionable.
Our industry has long been a place of tolerance and acceptance for trans individuals, as well as the larger LGBTQ community. Many in mainstream America struggle over issues of gender and sexuality, but the adult entertainment community accepts and celebrates people of all genders and sexualities. Diversity is our business.
The adult industry has also had a long history of advocating for free speech, and we believe in the right of private individuals to hold and voice sincere beliefs even when we disagree with them. Ms. Heriot is welcome to have her noxious views, but for her to openly advocate in her official position against the rights she’s sworn to protect? That, we can not abide. We call on Ms. Heriot to be removed from her position on the Commission on Civil Rights.
Eric Paul Leue
Executive Director, Free Speech Coalition
Los Angeles