Recent legislation passed in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday and in Mexico City, Mexico, on Thursday legalizing gay marriage has received many different reactions in Gainesville.
Joe Antonelli, founder and president of the local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender organization Gainesville Community Alliance, said he was pleased with the new laws in both capital cities.
“In my opinion there should be gay marriage. Period,” he said.
However, Antonelli admitted LGBT activists still have a lot to achieve.
“I’ve seen great change since the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s,” he said. “But we still have a long way to go.”
LGBT organizations on campus were also excited with the news.
“I thought it was awesome they did that. I’m happy that it passed,” said Whitney Blake, vice president of outreach for UF’s Pride Student Union.
Not everyone was as pleased as Blake.
“Of course I don’t agree with it,” said Tamesha Kirkland, a Gator Christian Life member. “As of right now, there’s nothing I can do but share the gospel.”
Perhaps the strongest voice on the issue in Gaineville was the Dove World Outreach Center.
“We are opposed to the legalizing of gay marriage. It is against God and the Bible. The legalizing of gay marriage puts the stamp
of approval upon it, thus giving it the appearance that it is OK...” read a statement released Thursday by Senior Pastor Terry Jones.
With their new laws, Mexico City and Washington, D.C., join the five states and seven countries that allow same-sex marriages.
