Florida Republican Sent to Anger Management Class Over ‘Offensive’ Gesture
Florida State Representative Randy Fine, a supporter of the state’s controversial “don’t say gay” bill, has been ordered to complete an eight-hour anger management class after being held in civil contempt of court.
Circuit Judge Scott Blaue found Fine in contempt for making obscene gestures, including allegedly giving the middle finger during a virtual court hearing on August 19.
Fine’s actions occurred during a lawsuit involving Brevard County Supervisor of Elections Tim Bobanic.
The lawsuit, brought by Brevard political consultant Robert Burns, sought Fine’s removal from the ballot for a local GOP leadership position.
Florida lawmaker Randy Fine in Tallahassee, Florida, February 6, 2023. A judge has sent Fine to an anger management class for making an obscene gesture in a hearing.
Phil Sears/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Judge Blaue dismissed the case before the August primary but moved forward with a contempt hearing for Fine’s behavior during the session, citing in the order “offensive conduct intended to hinder or obstruct a court proceeding; or lessen the court’s authority or dignity”
Newsweek has contacted Fine by email for comment.
Florida Today obtained an image from Brevard County Court showing Fine displaying his middle finger, and Judge Blaue said he was mouthing profanities.
“For at least 33 minutes during the hearing, Mr. Fine was making those gestures and mouthing those words, which included ‘Eff You’,” the Judge wrote. “The court is convinced those gestures, and those comments were directed at (plaintiff Robert Burns) and not the court. If the court believed it was directed to the court, it would be a criminal contempt proceeding, not a civil contempt proceeding.”
Judge Blaue ordered the Republican lawmaker to complete an 8-hour anger management class.
Fine escalated his criticism of the judge, calling on Florida House leaders to open impeachment proceedings against Judge Blaue.
In a letter to outgoing Florida House Speaker Paul Renner and Speaker-designate Daniel Perez, Fine accused Blaue of acting with “reckless disregard for our Constitution,” and suggested that Blaue’s behavior towards a legislator indicated potential abuse against ordinary citizens. “I stand ready to assist in holding this dangerous Judge accountable,” Fine wrote.
Despite his legal troubles, Fine remains politically active. He recently won his primary for a State Senate seat with 73 percent of the vote and now faces Democrat Vance Ahrens in the November general election.
Fine made national headlines when he broke from Ron DeSantis and became one of the only Florida State Reps to endorse Donald Trump over DeSantis in the presidential primary. Trump then returned the favor by endorsing Fine in his State Senate race.
In August, Trump wrote on Truth Social: “Florida State Rep. Randy Fine is a MAGA Warrior who will stand up to anyone to advance the America First Agenda! One of our only elected Jewish Republicans, he stands with me for an America that brings Peace through Strength, and an Economy that works for our Nation’s families. I need him in the Florida Senate, and he has my Complete and Total Endorsement!”
He voted for Florida’s “don’t say gay” Paternal Rights in Education Act, which bans classroom discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity at public schools.