HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0269.003 2020-2022 jcouncl(
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June 15, 2021
COUNTY
Hawaii County Council COUNTY OF HAWAII
25 Aupuni St RECEIVED
Hilo HI 96720 Ti '26O G.rrt.
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Re: Resolution 135-21 Date1
5 2021
Aloha Madame Chair and members of the county council,
I am testifying in strong support of the Resolution 135-21.
I learned a long time ago that shame kills and despite the enormous progress that has been made by our
society of the last half-century, there are still bigoted elected officials openly supporting discrimination.
An example of this occurred just last week,the Florida state legislature and governor passed legislation
that reduced funding supporting those impacted by the Pulse massacre.
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This is why Pride month is so important to the LGBTQIA community. Pride is for the homeless children
in our community who have been rejected by their parents. It is for the employees still discriminated
against by employers,for renters still discriminated against by landlords, for students still bullied in our
schools.
For those LGBTQIA people who are not able to live fully because of internalized fear and external
threats, it is critically important for those of us who can be open about all aspects of our being human to
speak up and speak out. That is how our society was compelled to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic and
bring it under control.
Speak up and speak out for those who cannot. Teach tolerance. Live with compassion.
Please take this step to help make our community a better place for people, regardless of any label.
Mahalo,
Chuck Flaherty
Captain Cook HI
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