Hagel Apologizes for Gay Slur

Former Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE), seeking to preserve his viability for nomination as secretary of Defense, issued a strong apology for a gay slur in 1998 that turned some top Democratic activists against his potential selection, Politico reports.

Hagel had in 1998 disparaged James C. Hormel as “openly aggressively gay” after President Bill Clinton named him ambassador to Luxembourg. Today, Hagel said in a statement: “My comments 14 years ago in 1998 were insensitive. They do not reflect my views or the totality of my public record, and I apologize to Ambassador Hormel and any LGBT Americans who may question my commitment to their civil rights.”