LPAC Statement on Florida Bill Banning Pride Flags in Government Buildings

Washington, DC (January 19, 2024) – Today Janelle Perez, LPAC Interim Executive Director, and Shari Weiner, Chair of the LPAC Board of Directors, released the following statement in response to the Florida legislature’s advancement of a bill banning pride flags in government buildings:

“The Florida legislature’s recent advancement of a bill banning pride flags in Florida government buildings is not just a step backward, but a giant leap into the realm of full-throated ignorance.

Let's be clear: suppressing the display of pride flags is not just an attack on the LGBTQ+ community; it's an assault on the very principles of equality, diversity, and freedom that our democracy supposedly stands for. To those in power in Florida, we say this: your attempt to silence our vibrant colors only amplifies the resounding strength of our voices and highlights the urgency of LPAC’s mission to increase LGBTQ women’s and nonbinary representation at every level of government.

But we won't be silenced. LPAC stands unyielding in the face of this blatant discrimination. We will continue to champion the rights and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community, and no ban on pride flags will deter us. If anything, it fuels our determination to push back against the forces of prejudice and narrow-mindedness.

Florida, we expected better, and as you attempt to dim our colors, remember, rainbows shine brightest in the storm.”