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Chuck Hagel apologizes for 1998 gay slur
Former Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., reportedly one of President Obama’s top candidates for defense secretary, apologized Friday for disparaging remarks he made about a gay ambassadorial nominee in 1998, seeking to quell a controversy that could derail a potential bid for the Pentagon.
Hagel, a Republican, assailed then-President Clinton’s nominee for ambassador to Luxembourg, James Hormel, as “openly, aggressively gay,” questioning whether Hormel could “do an effective job.”
Ambassadors “are representing America,” Hagel told the Omaha World-Herald in 1998. “They are representing our lifestyle, our values, our standards. And I think it is an inhibiting factor to be gay.”
The comments, which resurfaced this week, drew fierce condemnation from LGBT and progressive groups, who questioned whether Hagel would be able to effectively oversee the repeal of don’t-ask-don’t-tell.
Hagel, recognizing the threat the rising furor could pose to his potential nomination, released a statement on Friday apologizing for the remarks.
“My comments 14 years ago in 1998 were insensitive,” said Hagel. “They do not reflect my views or the totality of my public record, and I apologize to Ambassador Hormel and any LGBT Americans who may question my commitment to their civil rights. I am fully supportive of ‘open service’ and committed to LGBT military families.”
Hormel, in a Facebook post, commended Hagel for the “significant” apology, saying, “I can’t remember a time when a potential presidential nominee apologized for anything.”
More: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-34222_162-57…-gay-slur/
2012-12-22 18:19:39
Source: http://yeoldefalseflag.com/thread-chuck-hagel-apologizes-for-1998-gay-slur
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