U.S. Representative Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) who in 2005 sought to pass an expanded human rights ordinance after the Hillsborough County Commission adopted an anti-gay pride policy with Castor alone voting no released the following statement today:

“Hillsborough County is a community that believes in nondiscrimination and equal rights. Now our human rights ordinance will reflect our views. The commission should be praised for finally mirroring our neighbors’ values and moving forward in outlawing discrimination based on sexual orientation. Businesses across Tampa Bay and America and many local governments that value the contributions of all of its citizens have led the way and now Hillsborough stands proudly for equal rights as well.” 

U.S. Rep. Castor has been an unwavering champion of equal rights for all under federal, state and local laws. She has especially urged the Hillsborough County Commission to address this flaw in its human rights ordinance.

“The discriminatory policy was dark cloud over our community, but we turned the page after many years of rallying against it,” she added. 

“I am grateful for Commissioner Beckner's perseverance and the strong support of equal rights from Tampa Bay leaders in the public and private sectors who urged the commission to act.

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