Statement on Orlando's Rep. Sheri McInvale
From Nadine Smith, Executive Director

Last week we received copies of a mailer sent out by the GOP on behalf of Rep. Sheri McInvale and approved by the candidate.

The mailer featured her Democratic challenger Scott Randolph next to a well-known Orlando drag queen and includes the words "Who will pay for their medical bills" and "Wrong for our families". The flier also described Scott Randolph as someone who "can't talk straight".

(Click here to view the mailer and news coverage.)

Though the mailer is ostensibly about immigration the not-so coded message of the mailer is as clear to us as it is to those who received it. It unmistakably appeals to anti-gay bigotry.

I contacted Rep. McInvale immediately and let her know that the mailer was indefensible and warranted an immediate and public apology that clearly recognized the damage this mailer has inflicted.

In response, I received is a brief note that falls short of contrition about the content of the mailer and focuses instead on regret about the reaction of the community.

Her letter in it's entirety is at the bottom of this page.

Rep. McInvale had signed on as a host of the Equality Florida 2006 Orlando Reception happening this Sunday, Oct 22nd (for more information on the reception contact Joe Saunders - joe@eqfl.org)

The Orlando host committee held a special meeting to discuss the flyer and decided that Rep. McInvale must be removed from the committee.

This past year, Rep. McInvale sponsored a bill that would allow children being raised by gay foster parents to be adopted. It was an important step toward ending Florida's anti-gay adoption ban. While her contributions during the 2006 legislative session were noted, the group believed that the mailer demanded consequences and therefore removed her as a host.

Many of our members already have contacted Rep. McInvale's office and we encourage you to do the same. Let Rep. McInvale know how you feel about the flier and ask her to discontinue her anti-gay tactics and the bigotry they fosters.

District Office:
1520 Edgewater Drive, Suite E
Orlando, FL 32804-5840
Phone: (407) 317-7797

Let us know about any response you receive. Email us at eqfl@eqfl.org.

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Statement from Sherri McInvale to Equality Florida
Statement from Rep. Sheri McInvale:

Nadine,

There has been no greater champion for the community locally or in
the state than me. I have been proud to bring issues forward in the state
legislature which no other member, Democrat or Republican, ever brought forward.

There are those that were offended by a recent party mailer. There
was, of course, no intent to offend anyone. However, I regret that some
individual's took it out of context and as a result had their feelings hurt.

I will unwaveringly continue my service to the community and work
diligently to open discussion and bring about change in Tallahassee. I have a
proven record. I have stood up in the past and will continue to do so in the future.

Sheri