Nixon Didn't Mind,
Didn't Like Homosexuality

In an excerpt from a taped conversation between Richard Nixon, chief of staff Bob Haldeman, and chief domestic adviser John Ehrlichman, the former president discusses his feelings on homosexuality. And, perhaps surprisingly, Nixon said he doesn't "mind" people being gay.

Outtraveler Staff

March 03 2009 12:00 AM EST

November 17 2015 5:28 AM EST

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In an excerpt from a taped conversation between Richard Nixon, chief of staff Bob Haldeman, and chief domestic adviser John Ehrlichman, the former president discusses his feelings on homosexuality. And, perhaps surprisingly, Nixon said he doesn't "mind" people being gay.

"But the point is, I do not mind the homosexuality," Nixon told his top aides. "I understand it."

Nixon was discussing homosexuality in reference to an episode of All in the Family that featured a gay story line.

Following that quote, there is a 14-second beep, during which Nixon was allegedly discussing former FBI director J. Edgar Hoover and his "live-in companion." When the tape resumes, Nixon goes on to say, "But nevertheless, the point that I make is that goddamn it, I do not think that you glorify on public television homosexuality."