The Human Rights Campaign celebrated with The No to Discrimination/SAVE Dade Campaign and Miami/Dade County, Fla., as the ballot initiative to repeal the county’s human rights ordinance protecting gays and
lesbians was defeated. With 96 percent of precincts reporting, voters in Dade County voted 53 to 47 not to repeal the amendment, which protects gay and lesbian people from discrimination in employment, housing, credit and accommodations.
“This is yet another example of people rejecting discrimination against gay and lesbian people and supporting equality,” said HRC Executive Director Elizabeth Birch. “Dade County is part of a national trend that is continually rejecting discrimination in all its forms, and encouraging open honest communities where all citizens enjoy equal rights.”
HRC salutes the significant contribution of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and the hard work of LLEGÓ – the National Latina/o Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, and Transgender Organization, the American Civil Liberties Union
and People for the American Way.
"The SAVE Dade Campaign did outstanding work to mobilize the community in
Dade County against discrimination. HRC is proud to stand with them right
now, and in the future, as we continue to work for equality for the gay,
lesbian, bisexual and transgender community," said Birch.
The ballot measure in Dade County is the first of three votes of its kind
during this election season. The other two are in Tacoma, Wash., and
Ypsilanti, Mich., and will be voted on later in the fall.
"The grassroots support in Dade County was tremendous, and sets a great
example for other communities facing similar challenges," said HRC National
Field Director Seth Kilbourn. "One of the lessons from the 2000
presidential election is that every vote counts. HRC is working diligently
this fall to encourage GLBT voters to get involved in local campaigns to
help ensure fair minded leaders and legislation for our community."
In total, HRC has made more than $50,000 in financial contributions to Save
Dade and other organizations like it in this election cycle. Significant
staff time has also been dedicated to working on ballot measures, including
assisting local groups in campaign development, phone banking and
canvassing. For more information about HRC ballot initiatives, please visit
http://www.hrc.org/newsreleases/2002/020531ballot.asp.
Enviroshop is maintained by dedicated NetSys Interactive Inc. owners & employees who generously contribute their time to maintenance & editing, web design, custom programming, & website hosting for Enviroshop.