The New York Times reported that in 1998, James Hormel's nomination to be ambassador to Luxembourg was before the Senate, Hagel told a Nebraska newspaper that he had concerns about Hormel representing his country because of his sexuality.
“Ambassadorial posts are sensitive,” Hagel told the Omaha World-Herald. “They are representing America,” he said. “They are representing our lifestyle, our values, our standards. And I think it is an inhibiting factor to be gay — openly aggressively gay like Mr. Hormel — to do an effective job.”The Senate blocked a vote on Hormel’s nomination; and then-President Bill Clinton used a recess appointment to place him in the post.
LGBT groups were already upset with Hagel because in 1999, he expressed opposition to a repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. Hagel told the New York Times at the time that “the U.S. armed forces aren’t some social experiment.”
Reacting to the new controversy Hagel released a a statement to Politico
“My comments 14 years ago in 1998 were insensitive. “They do not reflect my views or the totality of my public record, and I apologize to Ambassador (James) Hormel and any LGBT Americans who may question my commitment to their civil rights. I am fully supportive of ‘open service’ and committed to LGBT military families.”Boy that was fast! Its been over a week since the issue of Hagel's anti-Semitic statements about the nefarious Jewish lobby was raised...and he still hasn't apologized. Hagel must REALLY hate those Jews.
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