![]() ![]() Two months later, he posted a meme making light of sexual assault and another mocking Mexicans. In response, Sawyer said “we abhor violence at any level against any person” and that he hoped “this scourge will stop in our country.” Particularly in coastal communities where the allyship doesn’t yet feel vocal,” Hall said. “What homophobia does is it pushes people back into the closet. 21 City Council meeting the day after 5 people were killed and 25 injured in a mass shooting at a Colorado Springs LGBTQ nightclub, Hall said it was particularly important in their small community to speak out against homophobia. Since the City Council’s first Pride month declaration in 2019, Hall said Sawyer’s support has been tepid. I’m embarrassed by the Mayor’s hurtful online comments and mockery.” “I’m grateful that our Council is otherwise composed of strong allies. It’s contributing to harm and division,” she said, adding that it runs counter to the welcoming message the city wants to portray. “This is punching down and further marginalizing the marginalized. Hall, the city councilor and LGBTQ+ activist, said the mayor’s posts are cruel and offensive. One reads, “If you have a clear shot and a good shovel, ain’t no need to call the police.” Another says, “It’s a proven fact that criminals commit less crime after they’ve been shot.” Two photos shared by Sawyer appear to endorse extra-judicial murder. Several posts in the law enforcement group encourage people to take the law into their own hands and not call the police. He’s also joked about committing violence against women. In addition to making fun of trans athletes, Sawyer has targeted trans sex workers, Spanish speakers and victims of sexual assault. Last month, community members demanded Baker City Mayor Matt Diaz resign after he posted a meme on Facebook comparing LGBTQ rights activists to Nazis. ![]() He’s not the only Oregon mayor who has drawn scrutiny in recent weeks for hateful online posts. Sawyer told OPB one of the reasons he loves Newport is the community’s diversity and that his public actions and comments represent his true values, not what he says in private. Reached by phone for comment, he said LEO Only is a private group and posts are not meant for the public. He was reelected to a third term in 2022. Sawyer was first elected mayor in 2018 after serving 30 years as a Newport police officer. Both Thomas and Mulvaney have been targets of right wing smear campaigns and online harassment. Several mocked Bud Light, which has drawn the ire of Republicans for the company’s business relationship with trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney. One post in April made fun of trans swimmer Lia Thomas. Since 2016, Sawyer has posted racist memes mocking Mexicans and endorsing former President Donald Trump’s hardline policies on immigration. OPB was able to independently review posts inside the group, including those made by Sawyer’s account. To join, a person must send moderators a photograph of their law enforcement identification next to an item showing that day’s date, such as a newspaper. The group, called “LEO Only,” has 39,180 members. The anti-trans posts are among at least seven anti-LGBTQ, misogynist, vulgar and violent memes he posted to the group in June. That post followed several others he made in April and May. ![]() Six days later, Sawyer posted a meme mocking a trans dancer in a private Facebook group exclusively for current and retired law enforcement officers. An undated image showing Newport Mayor Dean Sawyer, who posted denigrating memes in a private Facebook group. ![]()
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