Is it ok to fire people over hate speech?

I work at a temp agency and hired a very nice and charismatic man. He seemed so pleasant. Coincidentally it turned out he was my sister’s fiance’s brother. Much older…like 50.

Anyway, today I hear he was fired because he made a disturbing comment that really upset many people and made it uncomfortable. He said that gays deserved to be shot and killed. I was extremely shocked this came from him, truly disgusted, and disappointed.

His father is a minister. Turns out my sister’s fiancé also feels the same way. He said gays need to be put in a desert and blown up. She tried to justify it saying “At least it’s not as hardcore as his brother. At least he is ok with lesbians.” Really?! Keep in mind although religious, this guy in the past cheated, went to swinger clubs, slept around, smokes weed, etc.