Oklahoma senator stands by 'filth' comment about LGBTQ people despite rebuke

While Sen. Tom Woods, R-Westville, said in a written statement that the death of 16-year-old Owasso student Nex Benedict is “horrible,” he did not apologize for saying, “I represent a constituency that doesn’t want that filth in Oklahoma.”

Woods did not deny making the statement, which was reported last week by the Tahlequah Daily Press.

“I stand behind what I believe in,” Woods said Monday. “The groups and individuals who push gender reassignment on children in our schools, and anyone else who is trying to normalize behavior that shouldn’t be tolerated, is unacceptable in my mind.

“This is an agenda that is being forced on Oklahoma kids.”

Woods did not elaborate on what he meant by “behavior that shouldn’t be tolerated.”

Earlier in the day, Treat issued a statement in which he said he “made it clear that his (Woods’) remarks were reprehensible and inappropriate. I am of the belief that all people are image-bearers of God and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.”

Treat said Woods’ remarks “were not in any way reflective of myself, the Senate Republican caucus, Senate leadership or the Senate overall.”

“In my opinion, he had a serious lapse of judgment, and it has distracted from the mission and good work we are attempting to advance on behalf of all Oklahomans,” Treat said.

The only statewide Republican official to comment has been Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborn.

In a press release, Osborn called the remarks “horrifying” and said Woods’ statement “left me disheartened, disappointed and disgusted.”

“When I first became a member of the Republican Party and later pursued public office, people revered the party for its small government stance, fiscal discipline and compassionate conservatism,” Osborn said.

“However, a faction emerged within the party characterized by hate and divisiveness, overshadowing the principles the party once held dear,” she said.

According to the Daily Press, Woods’ comments were in response to a question about why the Legislature and State Superintendent Ryan Walters appear to be targeting LGBTQ residents.

Woods said then — and repeated Monday — that bullying is “never OK” and that “it is always a tragedy when someone loses their life.”

But he also repeated the allegation that there is an “agenda” to force young people into nonbinary gender identities.

Woods’ remarks came as authorities investigate the death of Owasso student Nex Benedict, who identified as nonbinary and used gender nonspecific pronouns, one day after they were involved in a fight in a high school restroom.

They also follow several years of legislation and verbal attacks targeting LGBTQ people in the state.

On Saturday, House Minority Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City, issued a statement saying public officials should be held to a higher standard.

“Words have consequences, and this kind of conduct is unbecoming of an elected official,” said Floyd. “It is our duty to represent and protect everyone and not make things worse.”

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