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A California man who made violent anti LGBTQ-related threats against dictionary publisher Merriam-Webster Inc. over its updated gender definitions was sentenced to a year in prison.
The sentenced imposed on Jeremy Hanson, 35, by federal court in Massachusetts also includede 30 days of home confinment, three years of probation and mental health treatment.
Last year Hanson pleaded guilty last year to interstate transmission of threatening communications in connection with threats made to the dictionary publisher and to the president of the University of Texas. He had a history of making threatening communications, nearly all of which was moticated by biases upon race, gender identity, and/or sexual orientation.
The prosecutor asked for an 18 month prison sentence, in part to serve as a deterrent to others at a time when violent rhetoric is becoming more common. The defense attorney claims that Hanson has a history of emotional and behavioral issues, including anxiety and obsessive-complusive disorder. More time behind bars could affect him negatively.
The Judge sais his actions were disturbing and terrifying although he had no intent or capacity to carry out his threats. The Merriam-Webster management ewas "fearful that Hanson would come to their office and cause harm according to the internal company communications.
"It is absolutely sickening that Merriam-Webster now tells blatant lies and promotes anti-science propaganda. There is no such thing as gender identity. The imbecile who wrote this entry should be hunted and shot." Hanson wrote. He also threatened to shoot and bomb company headquarters prompting Merriam-Webster to close offices in Springfield and New York City for several days.
Hanson, who appeared at the hearing remotely from California jail, declined to address the court when given the opportunity.
For more check out Huffington Post.