Gay Candidate Smeared in Flier

A gay candidate for city council in Annapolis, Md., was depicted as a child molester in a homophobic flier aimed at African-American voters.

The anonymous, typo-laden flier from "Friends and Supporters of Black Annapolis" warned voters that Scott Bowling, a Republican candidate for the ward 3 seat, would endanger their children, according to The Capital Gazette. It urged them to support his opponent, the incumbent alderwoman Classie Hoyle, and the Democratic nominee for mayor, Josh Cohen.

"Keep our Sister, Dr. Classie Gyllis Hoyle," said the flier, according to the Gazette. "Vote Tuesday for Dr. Classie Hoyle and Josh Cohen. Keep our African American Power. Keep us from Sin and Sexual Assault. Bowling will be danger to us all and our children."

Bowling denounced the flier and called on federal officials and the state attorney general to investigate it as a hate crime. Cohen also condemned the flier and said he was not aware of its creation. Alderwoman Hoyle did not return the Gazette's calls seeking comment.