i see florida is still a beacon on understanding and tolerance...not

June 19, 2005

Hillsborough County Commission bans support of gay pride events

an Associated Press report 06/16/05

TAMPA - The Hillsborough County Commission has enacted a policy banning county

agencies from acknowledging gay pride events, despite several impassioned pleas

from gay rights advocates.

Civil rights groups threatened to sue and called for a town hall meeting on the

ban, which requires the Hillsborough County government " to abstain from

acknowledging, promoting or participating in gay pride recognition and events. "

The board passed the proposal 5-1 on Wednesday.

Hillsborough Commissioner Ronda Storms, who recommended the policy, followed up

with a second proposal, that commissioners can only repeal the policy on a 5-2

super majority vote that follows a public hearing.

" I think that Hillsborough County commissioners sent a very clear message that

not everyone is welcome here, " said Vonn New, Central Florida director for the

gay, lesbian and transgender rights advocacy group Equality Florida. " I think

it's shameful what the commission has done. "

An attorney for the National Center for Lesbian Rights immediately pledged to

file a lawsuit contending the policy violates free speech and equal protection

rights for gays and lesbians.

" You don't hide the discrimination by making it broader, " said Karen M. Doering

of St. Petersburg, who serves as regional counsel to the group.

Equality Florida also scheduled a Monday town hall meeting on the topic.

The vote comes a week after a book display recognizing Gay and Lesbian Pride

Month was taken down at West Gate Regional Library after some library patrons

complained. Library officials have said the exhibit at West Gate was removed due

to a misunderstanding and was later moved to a less prominent area in the

fiction part of the library.

Details of the ban, such as whether any display about gay issues would be banned

at libraries, were unclear. After the vote, Storms would only say that she feels

the language is clear.

But when asked about whether gay student groups would be allowed to meet at a

county library or another meeting space, Storms said they would.

" We're not saying that because of your sexual orientation you can't come into

the library, " she said.

Those who control the past, control the future; Those who control the future,

control the present; Those who control the present, control the past.^

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