Apr 10, 2023 1 min read

Letter was distasteful

I have read many of John Quayle’s letters, and typically accept his conservative commentary as his free-speech right. Though often in disagreement with his views, I perceive him to be an intelligent, well-educated and articulate person.

But Quayle crossed a line with his letter in the Wednesday edition. The manner in which he expresses his beliefs with regard to gender identity is alarming. Declaring that transgendered individuals are “disturbed” and “no different than anybody who thinks they are an inanimate object or an animal” is entering into the realm of hate speech.

The Observer-Reporter‘s guidelines for letters to the editor include the statement: “Letters are subject to editing for length, clarity, and taste.” Portions of Quayle’s letter were in poor taste indeed, and I am monumentally disappointed to have seen this vitriol in print.

Linda Boice

Washington