Scott Powers
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer has received the endorsement of Equality Florida Action PAC, representing the state’s largest LGBTQ political advocacy organization, in his bid for reelection this fall to a fifth term.
The organization cited Dyer’s efforts to pass transgender nondiscrimination protections, designate Orlando City Hall as the first government building in Florida with “all-user” bathrooms, and created a citywide domestic partnership registry before gay marriage was legalized nationwide.
The PAC also noted that in the months after the tragic mass murder at Pulse, Orlando’s popular gay nightclub, Dyer led the city and the LGBTQ community through “an emotional and traumatic recovery, including helping to raise millions of dollars for Pulse families and survivors.”
“Mayor Buddy Dyer has been among the most vocal champions for the LGBTQ community in Florida,” said Joe Saunders, senior political director for Equality Florida. “In today’s political climate, LGBTQ Floridians need to know that there are leaders who will fight for and defend our families — leaders like Buddy Dyer. Equality Florida Action PAC is all in for Mayor Buddy Dyer and is working now through November to mobilize thousands of pro-equality voters in the city of Orlando.”
Dyer is being challenged in the Nov. 5 election by Orlando City Commissioner Sam Ings, Aretha Simons, and Shantele Bennet.
“During my time in office, I have worked tirelessly to ensure Orlando is a city for everyone. By passing ordinances and establishing programs for the LGBTQ+ community, Orlando has received global recognition as a welcoming place for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity,” Dyer stated in the release “In my next term, I will continue to work with our LGBTQ+ community and partners, including Equality Florida, to ensure Orlando remains a city that embraces, celebrates and advocates for diversity and inclusion.”
