Reynolds calls accusations ‘patently false’
The Rey Reynolds campaign issued a statement Tuesday in response to statements they say are circulating online accusing Reynolds of saying he was “legally allowed to arrest transgender citizens simply for being trans.”
“That is patently false,” Reynolds said. “Not only did I not say I’m legally allowed to do that, but I would never advocate for a police officer to be allowed to do anything of the sort! I believe in upholding the Constitution and I stand firmly against violating any citizens’ rights. An arrest of that magnitude would be a clear and disgusting violation of a person’s rights- no matter where they fit into the LBGTQ community.”
An area newspaper printed an article informing people of the accusations, as well as a petition to have Reynolds fired from his current job. The newspaper allowed Reynolds to clarify the misstatements with the following: “Reynolds said Thursday his stance on arresting people who violate exposure laws has nothing to do with someone’s sexual orientation or gender expression.” Reynolds was quoted as saying, “And I am not going to allow the majority to violate the civil rights of the minority. I just won’t do it. I won’t allow it. That means that if you are trans, no law should be used against you because you’re trans. If you are gay, then no law should be used against you because you’re gay, unless you violate the law, which is the basic norm of the area.” Reynolds said in a statement he stands by this quote.
Reynolds added the following on Tuesday, “I could not care less how someone chooses to live their lives in terms of gay straight, transgender, whatever. I love them just as much as I love the next guy – I just love people! Where I have an issue is when children or other innocents who can’t advocate for themselves start to get mentally harmed. Of course I don’t want to arrest anyone ‘simply for being trans’ like this ridiculous petition circulating suggests. That’s slanderous and a flat out lie.
“But, should someone act in a lewd or lascivious manner, whether they’re trans or not, that’s against the law. If anyone, at any event, should go so far as to expose themselves or bring children into sexual acts, real or simulating, that’s where the law is broken, and when everyone should be concerned!
“I think it’s important to clarify that I don’t believe the law should be enforced in a one-sided manner because people are members of the LGBTQ community. I believe the law should be enforced despite that. I have no desire to shame or needlessly incriminate the people who identify in any way- I only want to protect children. That’s something that should be important to everyone.”
Rey Reynolds is a police corporal in Southwest Washington and a candidate for Clark County Sheriff. He is facing John Horch in the Nov. 8 general election.
For more information, visit www.reyreynolds.com or go to Facebook, Instagram @VoteReyReynolds
Also read:
- Opinion: TriMet Better Red cost allocation revealed
John Ley examines TriMet’s $204 million Better Red project, showing most of the spending wasn’t on vehicles or tracks—raising questions about cost transparency and regional funding. - Vancouver Police investigate shootingVancouver Police are investigating a shooting that injured a male late Friday night on E Mill Plain Blvd. The victim is expected to survive.
- Letter: ‘This administration’s trade stance is bold, but it’s producing results’Camas resident Anna Miller argues that recent federal revenue gains show President Trump’s tariff policies are reshaping the nation’s fiscal outlook.
- Battle Ground Harvest Days getting ready for big week
Battle Ground Harvest Days returns July 18–19 with a full lineup: carnival, cruise, parade, market, BMX show, and fireworks—all packed into a weekend of community celebration. - High pay, low test scores: WA teachers earn most when adjusted for cost of livingWashington leads the nation in adjusted teacher pay, but critics point to low student performance and call for tying pay to outcomes.
- Families celebrate 25 years of inclusive fishing at Merwin Day of FishingMore than 300 children participated in the 25th annual Merwin Day of Fishing, hosted by Pacific Power and WDFW, offering a joyful and inclusive day of fishing and outdoor fun.
- Opinion: In-n-Out Burger is so much more than fast food for so many of usPaul Valencia shares why In-n-Out Burger means more than just fast food for countless fans as Ridgefield nears its grand opening and Vancouver’s location begins construction.
Unfortunately it sounds like a misdirected hit piece from the Columbian. I would also like to know how an “internal investigation” got leaked. Again, it seems like a completely twisted fabrication designed to take votes away from Rey. He has my utmost respect for the way he addressed the issue.
I can’t prove it, but I would bet my next paycheck that Rey’s opponent is involved in this leak.
The Columbian prints a hit piece of rumors about Rey, yet the Columbian will hide the horrible diversity record of his opponent. The Columbian is no longer a credible news source.,
It really is not a source of true journalism. Many articles are so biased it is appalling. No matter what side you are on of an issue, I believe we all want balanced news.
I think the Columbian has had it out for him since the beginning for whatever reason. Maybe they’re in bed with the current sheriff department, but they need to get real facts before they release their “news”.
Quite possibly. As someone else said, the Columbian leans so far left- and unabashedly so- it really is hard to read. The very language their journalists are allowed to use would not have been considered true journalism years gone by.
Agree with Reynolds, children and other innocents should be protected from lawbreakers such as those who seek to involve children in sexual acts.
This is yet another reason why I stand by Rey Reynolds! He is a man of integrity, and will uphold the Constitution!
Kinda obvious where this fake news came from….Bet he was the only person they put out the article on….Duh!
It looks like the readers here aren’t fooled by the dirty tricks, but we owe it to Rey to make sure our friends don’t get sucked into the spin vortex. Please spend the next few days contacting your friends to make sure they vote and that they vote for the right candidates. Thank you for your service, CCT readers!
This man would NEVER say this! He is not of that mindset. I know there are many out there who do not want him as a sheriff and wouldn’t be surprised if they started this. He’s a good person. He has all of us in his heart and want to better our county. When he mentioned this was being said, he had a look of shock in his eyes. We have known him for years. I have never even heard him make a joke about something if this nature.
He is absolutely guilty of what he is being accused of
After talk of comparing drag events, such as Drag Queen Story Hour, with taking children to strip clubs, Kent made comments about a “groomer ideology” in Washington, in reference to gender-affirming care for transgender youth.
The hosts then asked Reynolds if there’s anything the sheriff can do under obscenity laws to regulate “the current trans push.”
In response, Reynolds noted the state’s indecent liberties statute.
“We do have those laws — exposure laws, indecent liberties, all of those things are laws that we have on the books right now that can be prosecuted. And we can arrest on those things,”
Reynolds said during the show. “And we need to get back to where we used to arrest people for running around naked and doing sexual acts. Now, we have parades where they’re allowed to do it. And they’re not being arrested. They’re only being encouraged in many cases.”
There are all his words and it is all on video.