Washington, DC—Below is a statement by the Chair of the U.S. Conference of Mayors LGBTQ Alliance, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, on the Florida Senate’s Passage of “Don’t Say Gay” Legislation:

“HB 1557, which passed the Florida Legislature and is headed to Governor DeSantis’ desk, is a direct attack on the LGBTQ community. To cloak bigotry and hate in a so-called “Parental Rights” bill is unconscionable. The message of this bill — that being LGBTQ is somehow shameful — will serve to marginalize LGBTQ children and make them more vulnerable to bullying and suicide. For those students across Florida pushing back against this hatred, America’s Mayors stand with you. And to those Floridians who feel alone or like they have no voice, please know: We see you, and we have your back.

“I am proud to issue this statement as the Chair of the U.S. Conference of Mayors LGBTQ Alliance, which has had strong policy in support of gay rights since 1984 and over the years has expanded that policy to cover additional populations and issues. In 2019, the same year in which the U.S. Conference of Mayors LGBTQ Alliance was established, the organization adopted a comprehensive resolution, Supporting LGTBQ Rights.”