Alabama Pastor/Mayor Dies By Suicide After Right Wing Sites Dox Him With Photos Showing Him In Drag

November 4, 2023 Christianists, Hate Groups

Columbus, Georgia’s ABC affiliate reports:

Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones confirms Smiths Station Mayor F.L. Bubba Copeland is dead following controversy from posted online photos. According to the sheriff’s office, around 4:15 p.m. CT, deputies received information regarding the mayor needing a possible welfare check. Deputies found Copeland in the Beulah community area, where a slow pursuit began. Officials say the mayor turned onto Lee Road and pulled over. When he exited his vehicle, he produced a handgun and used it to take his own life. Copeland was a pastor at First Baptist Church of Phenic City.

The Birmingham News reports:

Copeland’s death came two days after 1819 News published photos of him wearing women’s clothing and makeup. 1819 News is a website that was once owned by the Alabama Policy Institute. On Wednesday, Copeland took to the pulpit at First Baptist Church to denounce the post about him, claiming he was a “victim of an internet attack.” He then read from the 23rd Psalm as he delivered a short sermon. “God will always protect you, take care of you,” Copeland said. “He will see you through anything, absolutely anything.”

Prior to Copeland’s suicide, the Alabama Baptist State Convention had issued a statement:

We have become aware of the alleged unbiblical behavior related to the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Phenix City. We are praying for the leaders of the church family as they seek to determine the truth concerning these accusations. As the people of God, we pray for the pastor and his family as well. We are in consultation with the Russell Baptist Association’s leadership as they endeavor to assist the First Baptist family during this critical time of need.

Columbus, Georgia’s CBS affiliate reports:

Some of Copeland’s friends, including former Phenix City School Superintendent Dr. Larry DiChiara are weighing in online. WRBL contacted DiChiara and he gave consent to use his Facebook post. “I am so angry right now and heartbroken,” DiChiara posted. “I witnessed a good man be publicly ridiculed and crucified over the last few days to the point that he just took his own life today. I just want to ask you people who thought it humorous to publicly ridicule him, “Are you happy now?” What crime did he commit?”

The Alabama Policy Institute is an anti-LGBTQ hate group that has appeared here many times for its lawsuits against same-sex marriage and for its support of Alabama’s leading anti-LGBTQ figure, former Alabama Supreme Court justice and US Senate candidate Roy Moore. They last appeared here in 2021 when they joined a lawsuit to block an LGBTQ rights ordinance in Alabama’s capital. 1819 News takes its name from the year Alabama became a state.



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