U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) released the following statement today regarding the repeal of the discriminatory policy regarding gay pride passed by the Hillsborough County Commission in 2005.

“Today, I commend the Hillsborough County Commission for supporting equal rights by unanimously repealing its policy against gay pride that was passed in 2005. Many of us have fought hard over the years to overturn this unfair policy and encourage equal opportunity for our neighbors. Today, the voice of the greater community prevailed. Hillsborough County residents should applaud our local leadership for repealing the discriminatory policy, which became a symbol for prejudice and intolerance. It hurt our community economically and culturally.  Now we can turn the page.” 

Rep. Castor was the sole vote against the measure in 2005 as a Hillsborough County Commissioner.

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