CL readers might recall our story about Hillsborough County and its less than stellar record when it comes to gay rights.
Adding insult to injury for gay activists in Tampa, already perturbed that the county is now the largest in Florida that doesn't include LGBT members in its Human Rights Ordinance, was the fact that the Board of County Commissioners in late June neglected to sign a proclamation to recognize the GaYBOR District Coalition, the alliance of LGBT-owned businesses and their straight associates. Conservative activist Terry Kemple had members of his Community Issues Council write to county commissioners, telling them not to sign the proclamation, saying it would violate the county ban on gay pride recognition and events (another source of discontent in the community).
Carrie West, president of the GaYBOR coalition, was particularly outspoken at that time. But he's praising the BOCC now, because last month they appointed him to become a Historical Advisory Board Member for the county.
