California state Sen. Scott Wiener, a prominent gay Democrat who has championed pro-transgender rights legislation, was forced to leave the San Francisco Trans March after being confronted by protesters about his position on Gaza.

Confrontation at the March

A video shared on social media shows Wiener, who is Jewish, being followed and berated by protesters in Dolores Park. The protesters accused him of supporting genocide in Gaza, with one saying, “It breaks my heart that someone who wrote good legislation for queers is so f**king terrible on Gaza.” Wiener did not engage with the group and eventually decided to leave the park, citing concerns for his safety and that of his staff.

Wiener had been on his way to participate in a trans-led Pride Shabbat service connected to the march. This was the first time he did not participate in the march since it began in 2004.

Background on Wiener’s Position

Wiener has been a prominent figure in debates over transgender rights and US policy toward Israel. He has stated that he supports Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state and has affirmed its right to protect itself. However, he has also been critical of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and has called for a two-state solution.

Wiener’s campaign website describes Israel’s military action in Gaza as genocide, a position he has reiterated despite initial hesitation due to the term’s significance for many Jewish people. The Israeli government has denied that its actions constitute genocide, pointing to efforts to evacuate civilians and target Hamas militants.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.