Wednesday, June 5, 2013 the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners voted to repeal the 2005 ban the County Commissioners had put in place on Gay Pride Events. The motion to remove this law was sponsored by openly Gay County Commissioner Kevin Beckner. Timing was right because of the  unanimous signing by all the BOCC members for this years 2013 GaYBOR Days Proclamation in historic Ybor City over the Memorial Day Weekend. For 5 previous years the majority of commissioners stayed away from any type of GLBT acknowledgement!

This historical vote came after some very heated discussions from GLBTA proponents wanting the bigoted law rescinded and other county residents wanting to have the laws continuance on the GLBT ban. The 2005 law that had been on the books stated,  ‘the county will not recognize, acknowledge, promote or finance any  GLBT event.’  The then commissioner Ronda Storms also put in place a requirement of a super majority to change any of the GLBT laws language, unheard of for any issue such as this.

The crowded chambers were packed with community leaders, residents and media reporting coverage during the extended 3 hour long debate.

The commissioners closed the open audience hearings and  openly debated the pressing issue.  The discussion contained both anger & tears on both sides of the aisle. There were 2 different motions to amend the repeal. Both were voted down.

It was simply put to his fellow commissioners by Beckner. “Vote yes to continue and support bigotry in this county or vote no to create a very tolerant and equal county!”

The surprising unanimous vote 7-0 to repeal the law by the conservative commissioners had cheers heard all over Tampa!

Carrie West, President of GaYBOR District Coalition smiled and stated simply, ” All residents in Hillsborough County are now on equal ground. Let’s all move forward!”