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NC Rep Calls Shepard Murder a 'Hoax'

Republican cops to 'poor choice of words' in House debate

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 30, 2009 12:57 PM CDT

(Newser) – A North Carolina congresswoman is backtracking after saying during a House debate that the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard was a “hoax” used by gay-rights activists, WTVD-TV of Raleigh-Durham reports. Arguing against a new hate-crimes bill, Republican Virginia Foxx said the highly publicized killing of Shepard—whose mother was in the chamber because the legislation bears his name—“wasn't because he was gay."

Foxx, who called the case “a hoax that continues to be used as an excuse for passing these bills," later said her comments were “a poor choice of words.” Other House members and gay rights activists were appalled, and Rep. John Lewis said Foxx’s remarks were “unreal, unbelievable.”

This 2004 file photo shows Virginia Foxx, the North Carolina congresswoman under fire for calling claims that a Wyoming man was killed because he was gay a hoax.
This 2004 file photo shows Virginia Foxx, the North Carolina congresswoman under fire for calling claims that a Wyoming man was killed because he was gay a "hoax."   (AP Photo)
In this undated file photo Matthew Shepard, 22, is shown.
In this undated file photo Matthew Shepard, 22, is shown.   (AP Photo/File)
Virginia Foxx is seen in this photo from the House of Representatives.
Virginia Foxx is seen in this photo from the House of Representatives.   (House of Representatives)
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Rep. Virginia Foxx makes a claim about the death of Matthew Shepard.   (ndstui)

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
sache
May 1, 2009 1:35 AM CDT
What is with the far right? Compassion and common sense go out the window the farther right a person is politically.
Rob
Apr 30, 2009 9:08 AM CDT
Are you kidding or is this true? She actually said that???
Rob
Apr 30, 2009 9:07 AM CDT
Yeah, only Republicans can be cruel *sarcasm*

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