February 11, 2005

Alderman Michael McGee
200 E. Wells Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Dear Alderman McGee,

The Human Rights League Political Action Committee (HRL-PAC) would like to express strong disappointment over comments you made yesterday at the rally to protest the beating of Frank Jude, Jr. You used the inflammatory word "faggot", in relation to the words "hate mongers" and "KKK killers," to describe the off-duty police officers who have been accused of beating Mr. Jude. By using the common derogatory term for gays, you counteracted your announced goal of confronting hate and, through your leadership position on Milwaukee’s Common Council, you role-modeled the use of hate language as a social norm.

HRL-PAC strongly supports a thorough investigation of the beating of Frank Jude, Jr. and joins with you in calling for full prosecution of those responsible. Additionally, many in Milwaukee’s gay community have also made long-standing commitments to end racism as part of a broader commitment to social change.

However, we cannot overlook your choice of words at the rally. For the same reason you spoke up on behalf of Mr. Jude, we must now speak up on behalf of the thousands of gays and lesbians who live in Milwaukee. Your comparison of gay people to "hate mongers" and "KKK killers" was derogatory and demeaning. Unfortunately, it appears you have responded to hate with hate itself.

We reaffirm our commitment to supporting the fight for justice in the Jude case. We hope you will make the same commitment to fighting all forms of discrimination.

We hope you will be willing to meet with members of the gay and lesbian community to discuss this matter further.

Sincerely,

Human Rights League PAC Board

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