Ya think? Rep. Virginia Foxx says calling Matthew Shepard murder a “hoax” was poor choice of words

Rep. Virginia Foxx from North Carolina revealed herself to be one of the most loathsome politicians in Washington D.C. On Wednesday, before the US House of Representatives was to vote on the LGBT-inclusive federal hate-crimes bill  – known as the Matthew Shepard Act named for the murdered gay college student.

As his mother, Judy Shepard, looked on to the House floor from a gallery, Foxx said “we know that that young man was killed in the commitment of a robbery. It wasn’t because he was gay. This – the bill was named for him, hate crimes bill was named for him, but it’s really a hoax that that continues to be used as an excuse for passing these bills.”

Of course, people are outraged. I have to say, I was so angry yesterday afternoon when I read about it I actually felt near tears. I sent her this message on Twitter: @virginiafoxx Please do soul searching be4 you speak in public again. What you said today re: Matthew Shepard was shameful.

Later Wednesday, Foxx released this pathetic statement:

“It has come to my attention that some people have been led to believe that I think the terrible crimes that led to Matthew Shepard’s death in 1998 were a hoax,” she said. “The term “hoax” was a poor choice of words used in the discussion of the hate crimes bill. Mr. Shepard’s death was nothing less than a tragedy and those responsible for his death certainly deserved the punishment they received.

“The larger context of my remarks is important. I was referring to a 2004 ABC 20/20 report on Mr. Shepard’s death. The 20/20 report questioned the motivation of those responsible for Mr. Shepard’s death. Referencing this media account may have been a mistake, but if so it was a mistake based on what I believed were reliable accounts.”

All I have to say is if you are going to address the US House of Representatives on such an important piece of legislation, do your research. And for God’s sake, try and remember you are a human being.

Foxx office addresses and phone numbers: (via Pam’s House Blend)
WASHINGTON, D.C.
1230 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2071
Fax: (202) 225-2995

CLEMMONS, N.C.
6000 Meadowbrook Mall, Suite 3
Clemmons, NC 27012
Phone: (336) 778-0211
Fax: (336) 778-2290

BOONE, N.C.
240 Hwy 105 Extension, Suite 200
Boone, NC 28607
Phone: (828) 265-0240
Fax: (828) 265-0390