A recent communication containing the seal of the City of Newport Beach was sent by Councilman Scott Peotter to constituents to voice his personal disgust with the Supreme Court ruling in favor of marriage equality. The response of Executive Director of the LGBTQ Center OC, Kevin O’Grady, was to shine a light on the intolerant nature of Councilman Peotter’s remarks as disgraceful for the City of Newport Beach, its constituents, and particularly the thriving LGBTQ community there. The City of Newport Beach issued a statement distancing themselves from Mr. Peotter’s remarks, but fell short of condemning them.

“The LGBTQ Center OC exists to champion the equal rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals, still viewed as ‘less than’ by many in Orange County. We are a strong proponent of the freedom of speech and encourage everyone to exercise this right. We simply are fulfilling our mission by shining a light on Mr. Peotter’s comments. If this is the type of vitriol he wishes to espouse, that is his constitutional given right. As it is ours and our supporters – some of whom are his constituents – to voice and vote our reactions.”

Councilman Peotter’s sentiments are in stark contrast to the pride flag flying for the first time at Santa Ana City Hall and the proclamation bestowed upon the LGBTQ Center OC last night by the Mayor and City Council of Santa Ana. The proclamation states the city’s commitment to a thriving LGBTQ community by “supporting the visibility, dignity, and equality for all people.” The mayor closed by urging all present – the majority of whom held smaller versions of the pride flag flying outside – to “act in a kind manner”.

For 44 years The LGBTQ Center OC has been advocating on behalf of the Orange County LGBTQQ community, working to ensure its well-being through a wide variety of programs including high quality mental health services; community support groups; a cyber center; LGBTQQ cultural competency training; seniors services; youth programs; and HIV prevention, education and counseling—and much more. Visit us on the web at www.lgbtqcenteroc.org.

Read more in these publications:
OC Weekly
Los Angeles Times
The Orange County Register