SPLC To Eugene Delgaudio: Stop Using Gay Wedding Photo To Spread Hate

Earlier this month we learned that hate group leader Eugene Delgaudio had stolen a gay couple's wedding photo for use in a nasty flier sent to Colorado's voters. Yesterday the Southern Poverty Law Center weighed in.

Today, the SPLC sent a cease-and-desist letter to the group and Eugene Delgaudio, its president. The letter, sent on behalf of the couple and photographer Kristina Hill, warns that the SPLC is investigating the unauthorized use of the copyrighted photo and demands that Delgaudio, Public Advocate and anyone acting on their behalf immediately stop using the photo. It asks Delgaudio to confirm within 10 days that he and Public Advocate have stopped using the photo.

“Delgaudio’s use of Brian and Tom’s personal photo is morally reprehensible,” said Christine P. Sun, deputy legal director for the SPLC. “For years, Delgaudio and Public Advocate have led a crusade against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. This latest attack is the most vicious yet and should serve as a warning that your personal photos are not safe from anyone willing to stoop to the vilest level of harassment.” Hill, the photographer, said the doctored image twists the original meaning of the image.

This will surely yet another flurry of Eugene's emails about shadowy homofascists.