A Republican state senator from Tennessee invoked Adolf Hitler in a message to homeless folks on Wednesday, as he debated a invoice that will threaten felony penalties in opposition to those that camp on public property.
Throughout his speech, Frank Niceley provided his Senate colleagues a "historical past lesson" and introduced up Hitler for instance of a former homeless one who turned his life round.
"In 1910, Hitler determined to dwell on the streets for some time," he stated. "So for 2 years, Hitler lived on the streets and practiced his oratory and his physique language and join with the plenty, after which went on to guide a life that is acquired him into historical past books."
Niceley stated it is not a "lifeless finish" for folks in Tennessee who're homeless.
"They'll come out of this, these homeless camps and have a productive life, or in Hitler's case, a really unproductive life," he added.
CBS Information reached out to Niceley's workplace for additional clarification of his feedback through electronic mail and cellphone, however didn't instantly hear again. His feedback drew criticism for mentioning the Nazi chief who led the widespread killings of Jews throughout Europe.
Tennessee state consultant Gloria Johnson, a Democrat, tweeted a video of his feedback and that she's going to "must apologize to the universe for this man."
It is not the primary time Niceley has made controversial remarks in a public setting. Final 12 months, throughout a speech, he stated the Civil Conflict was nonetheless occurring and "we're profitable."
The invoice he was debating about handed within the Tennessee Senate on Wednesday. The state's Home already handed a model of the laws final 12 months. Each Republican-dominated chambers have to hash out variations in what they authorised earlier than being signed into legislation.
The laws threatens felony penalties in opposition to homeless individuals who camp on native public property — together with in parks — and misdemeanors for tenting round highways. The felony is punishable by as much as six years in jail. Felony convictions in Tennessee outcome within the revocation of a person's proper to vote.