Will you be in the Orlando area tomorrow evening? If so, your help is needed!

Tomorrow, the Orange County Public School Board will be debating expanding their non-discrimination policy to ensure that LGBT (yes, this includes trans* as well) teachers cannot be fired because of their orientation or gender identity. Not just teachers: this includes all staff of the OCPS.

However, the local branch of the hate group Liberty Council has been organizing to get their merry band of bigots and homophobes there, all wearing blue, in an effort to prevent the school board from taking away their right to fire anybody who isn’t straight and cisgender. Remember: this is just the public schools, their private hate factories can continue to treat people as sub-human.

If you don’t know the Liberty Council, they are a hate group that includes the horrendous Matt Barber, a vile creature that says the most despicable things on a regular basis. They just released this little Facebook meme that they’re hoping will spread in which the equate being LGBT to being a drug addict and explain how they’re really just concerned for us queer people who are hurting ourselves and society because…well, because of debunked studies by the equally loathsome Paul Cameron.

We believe that those involved in homosexuality are created in the image of God and, because of that, deserve respect. However, their actions are damaging both to themselves and society as a whole. Just like smoking or drug addiction, this behavior should not be encouraged or promoted by our government. We believe that those involved in homosexuality are complete personalities who should not be confined to a label because of a sexual act. To do so is to label an adulterous wife or husband for life because of a sexual act. These actions are seeking the same love, validation, and acceptance all of us seek, yet and answer will not be found in repeated unhealthy interactions or societal and governmental approval of these actions. We believe this deep hunger can and will only be satisfied in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

So what can you do? Come with me to the school board meeting! Wear red to show your support to expanding the nondiscrimination policy. The meeting is taking place Tuesday, December 11th at 5:30 PM at the Orange County School Board building located at 445 W. Amelia Street (near to where the old Amway Arena was located).

What else can you do? Call or email the board members and urge them to stand with equality.

Bill Sublette (Chairman )– 407-426-8551 William.Sublette@ocps.net

District 1 Joie Cadle – cell 407-376-0191 joie.cadle@ocps.net

District 2 Daryl Flynn — 407-317-3236 daryl.flynn@ocps.net

District 3 Rick Roach – 407-317-3236 rick.roach@ocps.net

District 4 Pam Gould – 407-317-3236 pamela.gould@ocps.net

District 5 Kathleen Gordon – 407-716-6861 kathleen.gordon@ocps.net

District 6 Nancy Robbinson – cell 407-310-9194 nancy.robbinson@ocps.net

District 7 Christine Moore – 407-317-3236 christine.moore1@ocps.net

Christine Moore has already stated publicly that she’s against protecting the jobs of LGBT employees. Don’t let her hold that opinion comfortably, and let her know (politely and with respect) that she ought to change her mind and stand with her teachers and staff.

Again, please be respectful, but also please let these board members know that the days of discrimination without consequence are behind us. It is no longer politically neutral to exclude people who are different.

If you happen to know any skeptic groups in the area that will be there, let me know and I’ll seek them out. Otherwise, I’m joining the loudest group in red and making a stand for equality.