Don't be mislead by the following ad that appeared in this week's Express Gay News:
This is nothing but another attempt by the same individuals who recently tried to derail the proposal to add transgender protection to Broward County 's civil rights ordinance. This proposal has been unanimously approved by the Broward County Human Rights Board and is being prepared for presentation to the County Commission , where passage is expected.
They were unsuccessful in their attempts at July 16 meeting of the Human Rights Board and in fact were the ONLY individuals who spoke in favor of delaying this ordinance change. They base their claims on the outside chance that adding transgender protection will cause right-wing elements within Broward County to try and overturn all GLBT protection.
Unfortunately, these individuals seem to be living in the 1990's, not the progressive community that is Broward County today. They seem to think that the County is populated with "Naugleites". Most of us in the GLBT community and our allies, as demonstrated by the recent anti-Naugle rallies and level of community support, believe this is nothing more than a scare tactic.
The transgender community has waited for more than 10 years for their chance at protection of their civil rights. I do not understand how anyone who was at the July 16 meeting and heard the pleas from the transgender community that they need protection now could think otherwise.
While we respect their right to their opinion, we believe the GLBT community must stand united and say that now is the time to eliminate transgender discrimination in all of Broward County .
Sincerely,
Bill Vayens
