The Broward Democratic Party’s Executive Board and Management Committee released the following statement in response to current Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler’s decision to participate in Fort Lauderdale’s 55th Annual “Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast” alongside anti-LGBTQ activist Jim Daly:
“It is deeply disappointing and extremely troubling that Mayor Jack Seiler has agreed to attend the “Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast” alongside Focus on the Family President, Jim Daly. As head of Focus on the Family, Mr. Daly questioned the ability of LGBTQ parents to raise children, called LGBTQ people a threat to civilization, and advocated for sexual orientation conversion therapy. For years, Mr. Daly expressed hostility towards members of the LGBTQ community. Further, his organization, Focus on the Family, raised hundreds of millions of dollars to invest in anti-LGBTQ causes.
"The city of Ft. Lauderdale and its residents subscribe to a more inclusive value system. Mr. Seiler’s willingness to share the stage with this figure is a disappointing development which calls into question his belief in this value system.
"LGBTQ individuals should know that their city and their leaders stand beside them. This is why thousands of gay and lesbian couples call Ft. Lauderdale home; it is why the Greater Fort Lauderdale area annually welcomes more than 1.5 million LGBTQ tourists who spend over $1.5 billion. It is also why we oppose the hate-filled speech directed towards fellow Americans who happen to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer by organizations such as Focus on the Family at every turn.
"For years hard working activists across Ft. Lauderdale have fought to bridge the gap between different communities. The fight for dignity and equality for LGBTQ people in today’s society runs through Broward County.
“Times like this remind us of what the great humanitarian, Nobel Laureate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel once wrote about trying to remain neutral when it comes to moral affairs:
“We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere.”
“Now is one of those times. We are requesting a meeting with Mayor Seiler to discuss our concerns and have encouraged our members to do the same.”
Ron Mills, Campaign Director for The Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus, stated " Anyone who runs as a Democrat Statewide should be aware of the Caucuses statewide Get Out The Vote Machine"
From ABC Channel 10
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