GOP Candidate For Texas Legislature Went As "Gay Hitler" For Halloween
A photograph has surfaced online of a candidate for the Texas state Legislature celebrating Halloween dressed as "Gay Hitler."
The photo of Kyle Biedermann, who is running to unseat state Rep. Doug Miller, R-New Braunfels, in Texas House District 73, which covers counties just north of San Antonio, shows the candidate donning a Nazi uniform, a swastika arm-band and a flouncy pink scarf while raising his arm in a “sieg heil” salute.
When asked why he wore the offensive costume, the candidate told the San Antonio Express-News that it was for charity.
Biedermann says that the costume was for a Saturday Night Live-themed costume party he attended nearly eight years ago that benefited a Fredericksburg food pantry. "Gay Hitler" was a character portrayed on the show in 2001 by actor Chris Kattan.
“What would be offensive about that photograph?” Biedermann asked reporters. “This whole thing is about political correctness. It’s not a problem for me whatsoever.”
Even as Biedermann admits that he finds no problem with the photo, he removed it from Facebook before announcing his run for the House seat.
When pressed about why he would remove a photo that he claims is not offensive, Biedermann stated, “Well, because the incumbents—I mean my opponent, they would, you know, you know how it is, people are going to take it out of context.”
This isn't the first time the image has caused a stir. A month ago, Biedermann received a concerned email from a potential constituent about the photograph. His response: “The explanation is simple. This was a fundraiser for the Food Pantry and the Needs Counsel with about 400 people with a SNL theme...The costumes are supposed to be outrageous and Mine certainly was. Gay Hitler was a SNL character from the show which of coarse (sic) is a spoof.”
His email continued, "I am not gay and never have been. Don’t know anything about Swingers Clubs and no desire to find out. I have an amazing wife.”
Biedermann, who owns a hardware shop in Fredericksburg, is running for office with support from Empower Texas, a tea party group trying to move the Legislature further to the right. The group has donated over $25,000 to Biedermann's campaign.
