Equality Florida express outrage over Hillsborough County
Commissioners discriminatory actions as Hillsborough Commission Steps-
Up Anti-Gay Campaign Actions Shine Light on Discriminatory Intent

October 6, 2005

(Tampa, FL) Today, Equality Florida and the Pride is Back Community
Coalition expressed outrage over the Hillsborough County Commission's
continuing efforts to discriminate against LGBT citizens, as
evidenced at yesterday's board meeting.

First, the commission rebuffed a recommendation from its own Human
Relations Board to revisit the exclusion of "sexual orientation" from
the protections of the county's Human Rights Ordinance. And in an act
that completely removed any doubt of their discriminatory intent, the
commission went on the make it more difficult for LGBT people to gain
protections in the future.

"For the past four months, Commissioners have tried to deflect
widespread public criticism by saying they do not support
discrimination," said Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality
Florida. "Given an opportunity today to put those words into action,
the Commissioners sat silent. There can no longer be any doubt that
the intention of this commission is to discriminate against our
community."

The Hillsborough County Human Relation's Board recommended that the
Commissioners revisit their 10-year-old policy of excluding "sexual
orientation" from the protections of the county's Human Rights
Ordinance. Commissioner Castor told her fellow Commissioners that
revising the policy would not only heal some of the damage done by
the commission's now infamous June 15th anti-gay policy, but would
also give Commissioners a chance to prove their previously declared
opposition to discrimination. Not one single Commissioner was willing
to second Castor's motion, in spite of the Human Relations Board's
recommendation.

"The Commission had an opportunity today to begin a healing process.
Instead, they escalated their attack on Hillsborough's LGBT community
and intentionally tore open the wound of bigotry they inflicted four
months ago," said Brian Winfield, Communications Director of Equality
Florida, who along with field coordinator Lesa Weikel, attended the
day-long session.

In a final slap at the gay community, the commissioners passed a
legally suspect resolution that requires a super majority of the
commission for the issue to be brought for a vote. When asked, the
county's own attorney made it clear that the new policy was legally
inconsequential.

"If you're not going to support my motion, that's one thing, but
please don't be mean-spirited Commissioners," Castor begged of her
colleagues. Her plea appears to have made an impact on at least one
Commissioner. Even Thomas Scott, who has repeatedly toed the majority
line in casting anti-gay votes, didn't have the stomach to support
Ronda Storms outrageous motion, which went on to pass in a 5 to 2
vote.

Since the Commission's June 15th passage of a policy that bars county
agencies from even acknowledging any event that portrays gay people
in a positive light, there has been an enormous outcry from the
community with unprecedented involvement by individuals, businesses
and religious and civic organizations. Their continuing efforts
clearly demonstrate that the Tampa Bay community does not support the
Commission's discriminatory actions.

At least 15,000 people have taken action by emailing the
commissioners, attending marches, interfaith worship services,
benefit concerts, read-ins and vigils and supporting the BUYcott.
Neighboring cities, such as Dunedin and Gulfport, have shown their
support of equal rights and community diversity. On October 4th , the
night before the Hillsborough Commission meeting, the Gulfport's city
council unanimously passed an inclusive human rights ordinance.

Equality Florida is Florida's largest statewide human rights
organization working on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender
issues. Through education and advocacy, the organization is dedicated
to building a state of equal rights for all Floridians, inclusive of
all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Equality Florida
Building a state of equal rights for all Floridians, inclusive of all
sexual orientations and gender identities.

http://eqfl.org/

As President of Brandon Pride may I say I am extremely disappointed
on what has taken place. Yes I agree, there has to be reaction to
this decision, and we will be most effective in doing that if we
actively work closely with the leaders of Equality Florida. This is
how our community can come together and make a stand in the name of
Pride, Diversity, and Equality. Please log on to the Equality
Florida Website, call them up and ask them what you can do. They
will empower you with the information you need in making a
difference, and creating change.

Pridefully yours,
Mark Ferguson
Brandon Pride President

Brandon Pride is proud to support Equality Florida, and the Buycott
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Brandon_Gay_Pride/