Oct 28, 2012

Equality NC Responds to Anti-Gay Slur Used Against Openly-Lesbian N.C. House Candidate Susan Wilson

A political operative who has worked on several Republican campaigns in Buncombe County, including Amendment One-proponent Tim Moffit, has now used an anti-gay slur on Twitter to describe openly-lesbian North Carolina House candidate Susan Wilson.

Michael Muller tweeted on Thursday that Democratic candidate Susan Wilson was an “ugly old dyke.” Muller, who is also openly gay, once managed a campaign for Wilson’s opponent, Nathan Ramsey. Wilson and Ramsey are vying for the open House District 115 seat representing Buncombe County.

Wilson told qnotes on Friday evening that Muller’s slur was the first time her own sexual orientation had been used in such a blatant attack. Other comments have used insinuations instead, she said.

“There have been references to my not supporting traditional marriage,” Wilson said. “There have been references to my not sharing my constituents’ values.”

In a statement made on Wilson's Official Facebook page, she said: "It has been brought to my attention that some particularly nasty, and personal attacks have been made about me. It's a shame this is going on. My priorities are simple. Throughout this election, I have worked to put forth practical, common-sense ideas for growing our economy and improving public education. These issues are my priority for getting our state back on track This attack by a member of my opponent’s inner circle, while unacceptable, won’t distract me from what we must do to expand economic opportunity and build a better future for everyone in our community."

Equality NC Action Fund has endorsed Susan Wilson in her race against Nathan Ramsey in House District 115. For a full list of pro-equality endorsements, DOWNLOAD our 2012 VOTER GUIDE.

"While this can be perceived as a calculated political tactic to bring sexuality into a close N.C. House race, this type of derogatory and derisive language--directed towards North Carolina's LGBT community and women--has no place in the state's political discourse," said Equality NC Executive Director, Stuart Campbell. "We encourage all fair-minded North Carolinians to show their support for Susan in these final weeks--whether it be by opening their pocketbooks or heading to the polls--and send a clear message to those who would seek to use bigotry at the ballot box that in North Carolina we do things differently."

Show your support for North Carolina's LGBT candidates. Contribute to Susan Wilson RIGHT NOW.

Openly-lesbian candidate Susan Wilson faces anti-equality Nathan Ramsey for the open seat in House District 115, part of anti-Amendment One Buncombe County. Wilson promises progressive change for the region, with a perfect score on the Equality NC LGBT issue-based questionnaire and a pledge to put "people above politics." | Campaign Website | Follow Susan at @WilsonforHouse.