The Big Sky Tea Party Association dismissed its president, Tim Ravndal, on Sunday after learning of a Facebook exchange in which Ravndal condemned gay marriage and appeared to promote anti-gay violence.
The Facebook comments, which appeared on Ravndal’s personal account on July 23, allude to the 1998 slaying of gay University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard, who was beaten to death because of his sexual orientation. The Great Falls Tribune reports that the posts originated with Ravndal, who wrote, “Marriage is between a man and a woman period! By giving rights to those otherwise would be a violation of the Constitution and my own rights.”
Another Facebook user, Dennis Scranton, responded: “I think fruits are decorative. Hang up where they can be seen and appreciated. Call Wyoming for display instructions.”
To which Ravndal responded: “Where can I get that Wyoming printed instruction manual?”
Ravndal claims he did not realize the dialogue referenced Shepard’s murder and has apologized on his Facebook page, stating, “I made a mistake and commented on a post that implied that I condone violence against another human being.”
Association Chairman Jim Walker, who has called Ravndal’s comments “unacceptable,” released a statement confirming the group’s decision, “If a person demonstrates bigotry relative to sex, ethnicity, etc., they are not welcome in our organization. The Tea Party movement is about standing up for individual freedom for everyone.”
On Wednesday, the AP reported that several Big Sky Tea Party Association members, including board member Tom Baird, have rallied around Ravndal. At a Tuesday evening meeting, Baird called Ravndal’s dismissal a “knee-jerk reaction,” while some members called for the election of a new board.
