The Hell We’ve Been Through
Fired for 'moral turpitude'
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Dan Miller, a certified public accountant, worked for Donald L. DeMuth Professional Management Consultants from 1985 to 1990. Miller spoke on behalf of Harrisburg’s LGBTQ+ community during a wave of gay bashings in the summer of 1990, appearing on local television news. DeMuth learned of Miller’s homosexuality when a client praised Miller for doing “a good job … talking about gay activism!” He fired Miller for “moral turpitude” on October 17, 1990.
Miller opened his own accounting practice, which attracted some of DeMuth’s clients, on December 1, 1990. DeMuth filed suit against Miller for violating a non-compete clause. He also sent out a letter to former clients which warned that homosexuals “get AIDS and die. And while he doesn't know [Miller’s] medical status, he assumes that … [Miller] would not be living for very long.” Miller counter sued for wrongful termination. The court ruled that Miller was to pay DeMuth $130,000 plus interest. The LGBTQ+ community rallied behind Miller to help raise money for his legal defense. |
Dan Miller (left) with spouse Carl Bechdel. Photograph, 1991. Courtesy of the Historical Society of Dauphin County.
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Dan Miller Legal Defense Fund Tee-shirt. Photograph. LGBT Center of Central PA History Project collection at Dickinson College Archives.
