A former teacher from Florida has been sentenced to five years in prison for making violent threats against a federal judge who had upheld the state’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” law. The law restricts classroom discussions around sexual orientation and gender identity, and the ruling sparked outrage among LGBTQ activists and allies.
Stephen Thorn, 66, left several threatening voicemails aimed at U.S. District Judge Wendy Berger after she dismissed a lawsuit brought by LGBTQ students and civil rights groups. In these messages, Thorn, who identifies as gay, accused the judge of enabling discrimination against LGBTQ children, making them vulnerable to bullying and being treated as second-class citizens. Thorn expressed anger, saying that the judge was “an embarrassment to the judicial system” and suggested that she would not understand the impact of her ruling unless her own family was in danger.
The severity of Thorn’s threats led to a maximum sentence, despite his attorney’s attempts to reduce the punishment. Thorn, in a letter to the court, expressed regret for his actions, attributing them to a rash response to the news about the judge’s decision.
This case underscores a troubling rise in threats against federal judges, which have more than doubled in recent years. The U.S. Marshals Service reported that serious threats against federal judges reached 457 in the fiscal year 2023, highlighting the growing polarization within the country.
Judge Berger, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, has faced criticism from LGBTQ advocates for her role in upholding the Parental Rights in Education Act. This law, often dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law, prohibits classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity for children in certain grades, leading to widespread concern among LGBTQ groups.
While the law was intended to protect children from topics deemed inappropriate for their age, critics argue that it marginalizes LGBTQ students and families, contributing to a hostile environment in schools. The case involving Thorn’s threats further illuminates the tension between judicial rulings and the personal impact felt by individuals within the LGBTQ community.
The growing number of threats against judges reflects an increasingly ideological society where judicial decisions are often viewed through a deeply partisan lens. This trend poses significant risks not only to the judges themselves but also to the integrity of the judicial system.
The ongoing debates over laws like Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” act continue to fuel divisions, with significant implications for LGBTQ rights and the broader societal landscape in the United States.
