Not much new in the SP Times and Tampa Tribune reports on the Equality Florida meeting last night.
I did forget to mention the afternoon march this Sunday which starts at the downtown library. More info coming soon.
Hillsborough: Ban brings new energy, group says
More than 700 people crammed into the Metropolitan Community Church of Tampa on Monday night, waving rainbow flags and unleashing thunderous applause in opposition of the commission’s recent stance against gay pride.
Announcing that “pride is back in Hillsborough County,” the group pledged to work to repeal a ban passed by the commission last week that prevents the county government from acknowledging gay pride, or from promoting or participating in gay pride events.
Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida, which organized the rally Monday, said she wanted to thank the county commissioners for handing the group an issue that breathed life back into a community that had turned apathetic.
“Thank you for waking us up,” she said to a crowd that filled the church so that people lined the walls and stood in rows in the back. Many who were seated fanned themselves with fliers that had been distributed as temperatures climbed. Participants spilled over into the church’s chapel and smaller rooms.
Gay Rights Supporters Rally, Assail County Policy As Hurtful: From The Tampa Tribune
“They believe gay people shouldn’t exist, and if we exist we should be forced to hide,” said Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida, a gay and lesbian rights group. “What they are trying to do will have the exact opposite effect.”
A large wooden cross behind her was draped with rainbow bunting, symbolizing the gay community.
“Pride is back,” Smith said. “Thanks for rousing us.”
Tampa City Councilwoman Linda Saul-Sena and Clerk of the Circuit Court Pat Frank, a former county commissioner, joined the call to reinstate the sexual-orientation provision rescinded in 1995.
“We are going to walk and talk and work against discrimination,” said Frank, removing one of her red shoes and shaking it in the air, to the delight of the audience.
A downtown “Pride is Back” rally and march from the John F. Germany Library to the County Center is planned for 3 p.m. Sunday.