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Gay Pride Events Banned in Hillsborough CountyAfter a gay-themed exhibit at a Tampa-area public library prompted complaints in early June, Hillsborough County, Florida, commissioners adopted a policy June 15 to “abstain from acknowledging, promoting, or participating” in any gay pride recognition or events. The board passed the proposal 5–1 after minimal discussion, despite many pleas from gay-rights advocates during an earlier public comment period, the June 16 St. Petersburg Times reported.Commissioner Kathy Castor cast the lone dissenting vote, saying, “I think it’s inappropriate for government to promote discrimination.” Castor again voted no when the commission passed a second proposal, that commissioners can only repeal the policy on a 5–2 super-majority vote following a public hearing. County attorneys questioned Commissioner Ronda Storms on whether the new policy banned exhibits of books on gay issues or books by gay authors at libraries, but Storms replied only that the language was clear. To a question about gay student groups using library meeting rooms, Storms answered, “We’re not saying that because of your sexual orientation you can’t come into the library.” Two gay pride exhibits at the Tampa–Hillsborough County Public Library’s John F. Germany branch in downtown Tampa were removed the day after the decision, according to the June 16 Tampa Tribune. An attorney for the National Center for Lesbian Rights pledged to file a lawsuit against the county contending that the policy violates free speech and equal-protection rights for gays and lesbians. Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio said at a June 16 breakfast meeting that librarians should be the ones making decisions about book purchases and displays, the Times reported June 17. “Books are intended to promote discussion, new thoughts, new ideas,” she said. Posted June 17, 2005. |
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