California State Senator Scott Wiener, a prominent Democratic lawmaker and congressional candidate, was confronted and harassed at San Francisco’s Trans March on Friday over his stance on Gaza. Wiener, who is Jewish, was surrounded by protesters who accused him of supporting genocide in Gaza and made antisemitic remarks, including references to 'Zionist handlers.'
Wiener issued a statement saying the protesters were 'physically and verbally aggressive,' forcing him to leave the event for safety reasons. This was the first time he did not participate in the march since its inception in 2004. He also faced a separate confrontation two days earlier at a Mission District bar, where a man screamed abuse at him and his staff.
The incident has drawn condemnation from San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and the California State Senate Democratic Caucus, who called the harassment 'targeted, hateful, and antisemitic.' Wiener emphasized that while he welcomes disagreement, the harassment crossed a line.
Wiener has been a vocal advocate for transgender rights, authoring legislation to protect and expand rights for transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. However, his support for Israel has made him a target for activists critical of Israel’s policies in Gaza.
The confrontation highlights tensions within progressive movements, where support for LGBTQ+ rights and criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza have sometimes clashed. Wiener’s case underscores the challenges faced by lawmakers who navigate complex political and social issues.