Oklahoma senator slammed as 'deplorable' as he calls LGBTQ people 'filth' amid death of nonbinary student

TULSA, OKLAHOMA: Oklahoma state Senator Tom Woods sparked intense backlash this past Friday, February 23, after calling LGBTQ people 'filth' in response to questions about the recent death of Nex Benedict, a nonbinary high school student.

His remarks, which come amid Republican efforts in the state to limit LGBTQ rights and representation, immediately drew outrage online from critics decrying his language, as per Public Radio Tulsa.

Tom Woods' demeaning words came amid mourning for Nex Benedict's family

Woods made the disparaging comments at a recent public forum when asked about 16-year-old Benedict's death earlier this month. Benedict died one day after an altercation in a high school bathroom. The circumstances surrounding the death remain under investigation.

When asked about the incident, Woods extended sympathies to Benedict's family, but went on to state: "We are a religious state. We are going to fight to keep that filth out of the state of Oklahoma."

The senator's demeaning words came amid a time of mourning for Benedict's family and LGBTQ advocates. Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden expressed support for LGBTQ youth following the student's passing.

At the same time, Oklahoma has seen efforts to curb references to LGBTQ topics in schools. The state board of education recently gave an advisory role to the controversial social media activist Chaya Raichik and her 'Libs of TikTok' account, which has been accused of inspiring threats against educational institutions.

Governor Kevin Stitt also released a statement urging transparency in the investigation into Benedict's death. While offering condolences, Stitt has signed legislation in the past blocking transgender athletes from competing on sports teams aligning with their gender identity.

Internet swiftly condemns Tom Woods' derogatory remarks

Upon learning of Senator Woods' derogatory remarks, the internet swiftly condemned the Oklahoma Republican. One X user labeled Woods' comments as "deplorable." Another user reacted with a sense of dismay, stating, "Brutal. What have we become?"

A third user critically observed, "This is a party fueled entirely by hate and intolerance." Expressing a visceral response, another individual commented, "So disgusting. Their depravity knows no bounds."

Urgency for accountability surfaced as a fifth user asserted, "I need these people to face instant consequences when they say these things. It's already gone too far." A sixth user opted for a direct approach, stating, "Every time he looks in the mirror, he can see what real filth looks like!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.