Florida drivers were left horrified and appalled as they encountered a distressing and hateful message on a road in Orlando earlier this week. The message, boldly displayed in capital letters on a digital traffic sign, read “KILL ALL GAYS.” This act of bigotry and violence has prompted swift action and condemnation from local authorities and community leaders.
Upon being notified of the incident on Wednesday, the Orlando Police initiated an investigation, suspecting that the sign had been tampered with, as reported by WESH-TV, an NBC affiliate in Orlando. Mayor Buddy Dyer expressed his outrage through a Twitter statement on Thursday, denouncing the sign as “disgusting” and reaffirming that hate has no place in Orlando.
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The significance of this incident holds particular weight in Orlando, which was tragically scarred by the mass shooting at the gay nightclub Pulse in 2016, where 49 innocent lives were lost. Carlos Guillermo Smith, a former state representative and openly gay candidate for the Florida Senate, attributed the occurrence to the growing climate of hatred and division in the state. He pointedly criticized Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, stating that his advocacy for divisive policies and culture wars is not merely inconsequential but actively detrimental to the well-being and safety of Floridians.
The incident has drawn attention to DeSantis’ track record regarding LGBTQ+ rights. His support for bills aimed at limiting these rights has sparked controversy and garnered national attention. Last year, he drew criticism for signing what was widely known as the “Don’t Say Gay” law, and most recently, he signed four bills that further curtail LGBTQ+ rights, including measures that prohibit transition-related care for minors and seek to restrict drag performances.
This disturbing incident serves as a stark reminder that there is still work to be done to ensure the safety and inclusivity of LGBTQ+ individuals in Florida. Orlando, determined to stand strong against hate, remains committed to its LGBTQ+ residents and visitors. The city refuses to be deterred in its ongoing efforts to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
