(MIAMI)— PEN America, in a letter sent today to Florida Senate President Ben Albritton, called on the Senate to reject SB 100, which explicitly targets racial and LGBTQ+ identities and symbols, and attempts to ban flags such as the Pride flag that reflect these symbols.
Florida Director Katie Blankenship said of the bill: “This bill not only infringes on Floridians’ self expression in violation of the First Amendment but is blatantly homophobic and racist. The bill is outright censorship of groups and the ban on symbols and flags being displayed by government and public schools, colleges, and universities would have a chilling effect on these communities. We urge the Senate to defeat this effort to deprive racial minorities and LGBTQ+ people of visibility, expression, and connection to community. It has no place in a multicultural society.”
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Suzanne Trimel, [email protected], (201) 247-5057