The Denver Post
Police union apologizes for Net link
Tuesday, April 27, 2004 -
The Denver police union apologized Monday after learning that a link on its website infuriated gay-rights supporters.
The Police Protective Association website on Monday linked to another website promoting free bumper stickers, including one that reads, "I Support Denver Police Officer James Turney." But users who scrolled down the page of printable stickers found one that denounces gays. "Homosexuality is sexually unintelligent and morally offensive. Gay marriage degrades the integrity of society," the sticker reads. Sgt. Mike Mosco, the union's president, said he was unaware the organization's site linked to the anti-gay bumper sticker. Mosco said he learned about the link at 6 p.m.; it was deleted by 6:25. "The PPA apologizes to any group or individual who may have been offended by the information contained in the link on the website," Mosco said. "The PPA will review our Internet policies to ensure a similar situation does not occur in the future." At least one gay-rights group said an apology was owed to the community and to police officers. "It's not just bad taste. It's really reprehensible," said Denise de Percin, executive director of the Colorado Anti-Violence Program. She said Denver police have actively tried to work with the gay community, and her group provides training at the police academy, including information on same-sex domestic violence. "It doesn't actually reflect the values of the DPD, but that link certainly makes me wonder," she said. "Honestly I really don't think this kind of thing is part of the Denver Police Department's values." The website that offered the bumper stickers is registered to Roger Hale of Littleton, according to Internet records. He could not be reached for comment. The union has actively supported Turney, who was suspended for 10 months without pay in the July shooting death of Paul Childs, a developmentally disabled 15-year-old who was wielding a knife. |