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Roy Moore blames LGBT persons, liberals for sexual misconduct scandal

By Sara Shayanian

Nov. 30 (UPI) -- Controversial Alabama candidate Roy Moore had an eventful return to the campaign trail -- where he accused LGBT persons, liberals and socialists of spreading the sexual misconduct allegations against him.

Plagued by accusations of having sexual relations with a teenage girl in the 1970s, the Republican Senate hopeful spoke at the Magnolia Springs Baptist Church Wednesday night.

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At the church, Moore openly blamed those who "don't hold conservative values" for the swelling movement against him.

"They're liberals. They don't hold conservative values," he said of his accusers. "They are the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender who want to change our culture. They are socialists who want to change our way of life and put man above God and the government is our God."

Multiple women have said Moore had sexual relations with them when they were minors, and he was in his 30s. Wednesday, Moore denied even knowing the women.

"The attacks have been false, numerous and vicious," he said."I do not know any of these women.

"I did not engage in sexual misconduct. It's simply dirty politics. It's a sign of our times."

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At one point during the rally, one protester -- a comedian named Tony Barbieri -- was escorted out of the church after loudly questioning Moore about the allegations.

"The entire time, all the girls are lying?" Barbieri asked.

A pro-Moore supporter then got involved -- shouting that the former Alabama Supreme Court justice was a "man's man," and asked, "does that look like the face of a molester?"

A confrontation ensued after the rally outside the church, when resident David Connolly was accused of being a paid protester.

"I believe in giving everyone a chance to speak," Connolly said. "I heard what the man had to say and he uses Bible verses to twist in any way he can. This is embarrassing to Alabama and embarrassing to me."

The special election to fill the Senate seat vacated by Attorney General Jeff Sessions is scheduled for Dec. 12.

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