SAN DIEGO — Equality California, LGBTQ Victory Fund, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), GLAAD, National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and San Diego Democrats for Equality released the following statement Wednesday after KUSI, an independent television station owned by McKinnon Broadcasting, published a false and misleading report on Monday about openly gay mayoral candidate Assemblymember Todd Gloria:
“We strongly condemn KUSI’s false and misleading reporting about SB 145, as well as the network’s decision not to correct or retract their story after editorial staff were repeatedly made aware of the fact that the story is incorrect. KUSI’s on-air and online reporting repeat lies about SB 145 that have been thoroughly fact-checked and proven false by reputable news agencies. KUSI’s apparent attempt to mislead the public and smear an openly gay candidate for elected office is irresponsible and unethical. “Any further weaponization of this disinformation for political gain would be shameful and should be rejected categorically by elected leaders, candidates and voters. The rise of dangerous conspiracy theories and homophobic tropes about gay men is not a partisan or political issue — it is an issue of public safety. The disinformation campaign about this legislation was started on social media websites by QAnon, a group that the FBI has labelled ‘conspiracy theory-driven domestic extremists.’ “We urge all San Diegans, regardless of policy views or political party, to reject this homophobic disinformation campaign and hold anyone who continues to weaponize it for political gain accountable.”
“We strongly condemn KUSI’s false and misleading reporting about SB 145, as well as the network’s decision not to correct or retract their story after editorial staff were repeatedly made aware of the fact that the story is incorrect. KUSI’s on-air and online reporting repeat lies about SB 145 that have been thoroughly fact-checked and proven false by reputable news agencies. KUSI’s apparent attempt to mislead the public and smear an openly gay candidate for elected office is irresponsible and unethical.
“Any further weaponization of this disinformation for political gain would be shameful and should be rejected categorically by elected leaders, candidates and voters. The rise of dangerous conspiracy theories and homophobic tropes about gay men is not a partisan or political issue — it is an issue of public safety. The disinformation campaign about this legislation was started on social media websites by QAnon, a group that the FBI has labelled ‘conspiracy theory-driven domestic extremists.’
“We urge all San Diegans, regardless of policy views or political party, to reject this homophobic disinformation campaign and hold anyone who continues to weaponize it for political gain accountable.”
###
Equality California is the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. We bring the voices of LGBTQ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. www.eqca.org
