Equality Florida's Response To Pride Flag Ban Bill Stalling In Florida Senate

Equality Florida's Statement:

The failure of a Florida Senate bill aimed at banning the rainbow flag — a powerful symbol of LGBTQ resilience against government-sanctioned discrimination — is a significant victory. Equality Florida stands proudly alongside all who journeyed to Tallahassee to voice their opposition to this flag ban and the harmful motives underlying the legislation.

During the committee hearing, the primary supporter of the bill, John Labriola of the Christian Family Coalition, unabashedly revealed its true intentions by likening LGBTQ Floridians to demons and perpetuating hateful stereotypes. This bill was clearly designed to slander an entire community with baseless and malicious lies.

Labriola's history speaks volumes about the kind of discrimination LGBTQ individuals face. His reprehensible actions, such as losing his job over a slur-filled rant at the sight of a modest Pride display in a Citrus County library, exemplify the bigotry that still exists in our society. Florida has a shameful track record of trampling on the rights of LGBTQ individuals, from denying marriage equality to imposing restrictive adoption policies. It's often been left to the judiciary to step in and uphold our fundamental rights in the face of state-sanctioned discrimination.

This bill's attempt to stifle local initiatives promoting inclusivity, like displaying the rainbow flag, is a direct affront to our community. It mirrors a long-standing pattern of discrimination reminiscent of dark periods in Florida's history, including the notorious John's Committee and Anita Bryant's divisive campaign.

The timing of this bill's stagnation is particularly poignant, occurring on the same day a woman in Russia faced imprisonment for wearing rainbow earrings—a stark reminder of the global struggle for LGBTQ rights. As we celebrate this small victory in Florida, we must remain vigilant in the fight against discrimination, both at home and abroad.