Andy Amoroso, the first openly-gay City Commissioner in Palm Beach County (Lake Worth, District 3) announced that the city will take up the banner of marriage equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Floridians with a demonstration on March 23rd at 2 p.m. on the steps of Lake Worth City Hall at 7 N. Dixie Highway. Interested parties are invited to join in to send a political message to Tallahassee: It’s not okay that gay couples can’t get married in Florida!
Amoroso is working with a steering committee of local advocates to plan activism and a same-sex marriage demonstration. Gay and gay-friendly organizations will be represented and Lake Worth Mayor, Pam Triolo, will read a proclamation declaring the city’s support for equality and urging state lawmakers to see the economic value of keeping marriage dollars at home. The political message will be supported with a fiscal statement: “Marriage equality makes economic sense.”
Commissioner Amoroso keeps an eye to running the city as a business wherever possible and bemoans the lost opportunities for hosting gay marriages in Lake Worth, traditionally a strong supporter of LGBT rights and equality. Compass, the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Lake Worth and the Palm Beaches, will be hosting their 21st Annual PrideFest at Bryant Park on March 29th and 30th this year. “Moving the two day festival to Lake Worth in 2000, made sense,” explains Julie Seaver, Compass’ Center Operations Director. “Since then, the City’s elected officials and its residents laid the groundwork for all of Palm Beach County with a proud history of demonstrating a commitment to equality for everyone.”
“We have tourism and hospitality treasures, great beaches and a new seaside banquet facility, all of which could be used for a big fabulous gay wedding weekend,” says Amoroso, a local business owner himself, and one of 50 So. Fla. Gay News ‘Out 50’ most influential LGBT people. “All we need to keep those marriage millions in state… the brides and grooms, wedding guests, and all those dollars spent on the celebrations… is a vote in Tally to bring marriage equality to our state.”
Marriage equality is not about dollars and sense alone; another message is larger and less mundane: “Marriage is about love not gender.” The Rev. Lea Brown, Pastor at Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches, takes the focus higher: “Our brothers and sisters can worship locally in LGBT-affirming and intentionally-inclusive faith communities. They can be joined in holy matrimony in my congregation and other progressive, justice-minded churches such as St. Andrew’s Episcopal in Lake Worth. We give thanks for that welcoming acceptance, but we want civil legal recognition from our state government to make our unions more complete. I pray we achieve that soon. Come be a part of making it happen.”
Those who have traveled to marry outside Florida and those who are still here waiting are invited to share their feelings. Faith leaders and supportive organizations are also welcome to participate.
For information contact Andy Amoroso at aamoroso@lakeworth.org or 561-398-8340.
