OK lawmaker calls LGBTQ people ‘filth’ following death of bullied nonbinary teen

An Oklahoma state Senator is facing criticism after he reportedly referred to LGBTQ people “filth” following the unexpected death of a 16-year-old nonbinary student a day after being beaten up at school. “I represent a constituency that doesn’t want that filth in Oklahoma,” Sen. Tom Woods, R-Westville, can be heard saying during a legislative forum, according to audio recorded by the Tahlequah Daily Press. Audience member Cathy Cott asked Woods and other lawmakers questions related to Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters’ policy on LGBTQ issues in schools. She also...