Trump-backing political candidate caught ranting about ‘disgusting fags’
A Libertarian candidate for the Arkansas House of Representatives was caught in a homphobic rant on Facebook.
Justin Jones, who is running for District 87 in the Arkansas House, made the comments on a Facebook post about the ban on gay men donating blood, which many people have derided as discriminatory.
Jones wrote: “The likelihood of a fag catching HIV is 1000% more likely then any straight person… fags are disgusting.
Responding to criticism, he added: “If you don’t think HIV is created by homosexuality then you need education. That’s the entirety of my post, for someone who wants free speech, you don’t act like it.
“I shouldn’t have said ‘fags’ should have said homosexuals. But I won’t apologise of the moral of my comment, homosexuality is wrong, and shouldn’t be publicly endorsed.”
In a statement to local station KARK, he channelled Donald Trump with a vow to “Making Arkansas Great Again”.
He added: “I recently made a comment that was meant to be satire, but had FACTUAL meaning.
“In the new day of Social Media, we face backlash for every comment we make, which is putting ‘Free Speech’ at a price. The Aids Epidemic is a VERY big part of the LGBTQ Community.
“To not recognize that would be a ‘Lie’ to yourself and the LGBTQ Community. In this New Day of politics, we are recognising the benefits of throwing away the old establishment, and how that didn’t work.
“Today, we are bringing back ‘FREEDOM OF SPEECH,’ and protecting our 2nd amendment rights. That might be too much for some people, but that’s why we’re getting them out of Public Office.
“Let’s get back to ‘Making Arkansas Great Again.’ Vote Justin Jones for State Representative, District 87.”
Michael J. Kalagias, Chair of the Benton County Libertarian Party, has since disavowed the candidate.
He said: “Mr Jones was until very recently a Republican supporter and candidate. He came to the Libertarian Party, as have many others, because of his dissatisfaction with their failed policies and actions.
“The bigotry he brought with him, however, is certainly not welcome and will not be tolerated by the Benton County Libertarian Party, the Libertarian Party of Arkansas, or the national Libertarian Party; nor should it be tolerated by any decent person of any political party.
“The Benton County Libertarian Party urges Mr Jones to immediately abandon his campaign for office, and to refrain from returning to the political arena until such time as he has gained enough knowledge, wisdom, and maturity to do so responsibly.”
Jones added: “In response to the backlash caused by the media, it has been brought to my attention that I should suspend my campaign.
“After a phone call with the Chair of the Benton County Libertarian Party, Michael J. Kalagias, I informed him, that I will continue my candidacy for State Representative.
“My candidacy is about the people of Elm Springs, Siloam Springs, Springdale, and Tontitown. My campaign will continue to fight on the behalf of District 87. I would like to thank everyone for their support in my growing campaign.”
