Bay Windows - National News, October 7, 1999
Beth Berlo, Bay Windows staff

Calling gays, feminists, abortion providers and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), "the diabolical forces of moral corruption," Sheriff John McDougall last week defended his web site on NBC-TV's "Today" show. "A lot of the problems that we're having right now in this country are à because of decisions that were made over the last 30 years. In particular, 1973 with the Roe v. Wade abortion decision that was made by the Supreme Court," he said. McDougall is on vacation and could not be reached by Bay Windows press time.

His motive for posting the document titled, "Wake Up America! Before It's Too Late!", was crime prevention, he contends. The web page is available at: www.sheriffleefl.org/admin/resource/crimeprev/judicial.htm.

Though McDougall has flared more than a few tempers with the site, he is neither a political novice nor apologetic for voicing his opinions.

"I have worked there for seven-and-a-half years, and I don't know a more fair man," said Deputy Sheriff Beth Schell, from McDougall's office. "I know his views are different than some, but whether you agree or disagree he has the courage to stand up for what he believes and not everyone does that today. So many people ride the fence."

In 1997, McDougall reportedly shocked Florida tourism officials after he appeared on a televised news program, lamenting that Florida was an unsafe place to be because prisoners were being set free.

Though the ACLU was a direct target of McDougall's rants, Andy Kayton, legal director at ACLU Florida, told Bay Windows, "We have no concerns about him at the ACLU. In general, the sheriff has a First Amendment right to express his views. In fact, we would encourage him to exercise that right as a general rule, in order for voters to get an accurate understanding of what his beliefs are."

McDougall, who has already served for three terms, intends to run for a fourth, Schell confirmed. "He's willing to take that risk," Schell said. "He knows that there's always a possibility he'll lose votes."

But Schell described the bulk of Lee County as Republican and, "definitely conservative," with many of the 400,000 residents retired she said.

The web site's harangue that opens with a preamble to the Constitution is thick with paranoia, especially around the abortion issue, but also with gay, lesbian and HIV concerns.

Referring to abortion at one point as, "a holocaust in the eyes of God," McDougall continued, "These deaths will not go unavenged. God will judge those people in the abortion industry, and those individuals who continue to promote it, and cause it to happen. God will condemn them for bringing about the catastrophic loss these children and their offspring represent to suffering humanity."

Following his comment on "the diabolical forces of moral corruption " that he said are "working feverishly behind closed doors," McDougall writes: "The gay and lesbian coalitions, rabid feminist groups, United Nations one-world government radicals, and the American Civil Liberties Union [are] all competing for power, and many using their political action committee funds to influence elected officials to represent these parasitic groups who proselytize and force us under the protection of law to tolerate and accept their despicable conduct and agenda."

He continues to rail against Planned Parenthood, the family planning social service provider, saying, "They are without the authority and consent of parents distributing free condoms to our children, thereby encouraging dangerous pre-marital adolescent sexuality under the pretense of 'Safe Sex for Minors.' Those of us in law enforcement, call this behavior 'pedophilia.'"

McDougall expresses further alarm over the rights that some teenagers have to gain access to sexuality-related health care, warning parents that their kids could be, "treated for a sexually transmitted disease, including AIDS, that could be introduced to the rest of your family without your knowledge."

In an Associated Press report, Howard Simon, executive director of the ACLU's Florida affiliate, commented, "This is a very distressing document. If I read this from anybody, even a relative of mine, I would suggest the person needs counseling."

Meanwhile, Equality Florida, also outraged over McDougall's comments, and use of a tax-paid web site to further his religion-laden agenda, and is calling for his resignation.

"These attacks are mean-spirited coming from anyone, but particularly irresponsible and troubling coming from a law enforcement official," stated Equality Florida executive director Nadine Smith. "An individual elected to uphold the law who shows such disregard for the Constitution should not be in office."

Because the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is in the process of preparing a formal inquiry into McDougall's use of the government-owned web site, they declined comment.

"I would not feel very safe driving through Lee County for any number of reasons, and sadly there are a large number of people in Lee County who can legitimately wonder whether they will receive the same protection and treatment by law enforcement officials as others," Kayton said. "The ACLU is in a position that we would adamantly defend the exercise of free speech rights but at the same time deplore the views expressed by the sheriff. However, there is a real importance that if a sheriff holds these types of views, they be expressed.
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