Florida stands up against bigotry
By
WINTER PARK, Fla.--The National Organization for Marriage (NOM), a group that opposes equal marriage rights for LGBT people thought it could come to Florida to spread its message of discrimination and intolerance. But what their members found when they got here was an overwhelming display of resistance.
On August 8, 130 LGBTQ rights activists and supporters from across the state, including Gainesville and Orlando, turned out in solidarity with local activists in Stand Up Florida.
Originally, the NOM bus tour was going to stop at Tampa--until organizers realized protesters would be there to meet them. They then attempted to prevent us from disrupting their event by changing the venue to Winter Park.
Luckily, protesters found out about the change and were able to muster a crowd that dwarfed the rally. In fact, NOM organizers moved the "rally" behind the closed doors of the First Christian Church, and cowardly exited through the back of the building rather than look the protesters in the face.
Several NOM participants attempted to argue with the crowd and escalate the situation, but the counter-protesters reacted with dignity and refused to be drawn into a scuffle.
Closely following the overturning of Proposition 8 in California by a federal judge, this protest had special significance for those on both sides of the issue. LGBT rights supporters were empowered by the decisions and celebrated, although stating that this is only the beginning.
The decision has spurred NOM to come out with several hateful statements on its Web site, a message its supporters brought with them on Sunday. There was a wide range of media coverage from across Central Florida, from local independent papers to larger broadcasting stations.
Groups like Stand Up Florida, Come Out Orlando and Gainesville ISO made sure that that coverage reflected our commitment to continue to struggle until there is full equality for all.
