“I just witnessed the most ugly, rude homophobic encounter at NICHOL’S Hardware in Purcellville Va.”

This homophobic behavior is appalling, but some people are just ignorant bigots, sad to say. I read about this incident on Facebook over the weekend, then saw an article in the Washington Post this morning on the incident. People are reacting on Yelp and Facebook – and not in a positive way. Here’s the original comment, followed by some reactions…

“I am SO upset!!!!! I just witnessed the most ugly, rude homophobic encounter at NICHOL’S Hardware in Purcellville Va. As I am checking out a handsome young man comes into the store with his father. The son is dressed in his boyscout uniform and approaches the counter. He politely introduces himself and explains his troop is seeking donations and….bam! The Nichol’s employee guy behind the counter raises his voice and says “absolutely not and get out!” I thought maybe he knew these folks and it was a joke or maybe he was just joking with the kid since he was nervous, but this man was dead serious. He told them “your organization is not the “Boy Scouts” anymore.” We will not support you and you need to leave.” Then the Dad tried to interject and he was abruptly cut off and told to “Get out!” The young man lowered his head and said Thank you for your time and left. I was fuming and would have walked out to say how sorry I am to this young boy but they still had my credit card. Then this vile creature turns to me and says “you know they let homos in, right?! They are not “boy” scouts anymore. We do not support any homos.” I just stared at this man and shook my head in disgust. How dare you demean an innocent child like that. SHAME on you Nichols! And not one other employee stood up. I used to give you my business because I like helping our small town businesses. But I won’t be stepping one foot in your redneck little store again. Shame on you Nichols!!!!!!!!! I hope this young man realizes the whole world is not like this and does not affect who he wants to be. Shame on you Nichol’s!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Shame!”