Hillsborough County Commissioners unanimously voted today to lift the ban on county promotion of gay pride events.
But one opponent to repealing the ban was Bianca Perez.
"As a mother and as a resident of Hillsborough County, I do not want my tax dollars being used to promote a lifestyle that the Bible clearly says is wrong," she said.
She continued to quote two scriptures from the Bible.
Later, Commissioner Kevin Beckner, who sponsored the repeal and is openly gay, held a copy of the Bible and said as a Christian, it's the book he follows as well.
"When judgment day comes, I'm going to be judged by two individuals and that's my God and that's my savior Jesus Christ," he said. "I don't believe anywhere it mentioned any one of you to stand judgment on that final day."
Commissioners Mark Sharpe and Ken Hagan had voted eight years ago to implement the ban but changed their minds this time.
The eight-year ban began with some people complaining about a gay pride month display at the West Gate Regional Library in Town 'N' Country. Then county commissioner Rhonda Storms sponsored the ban in 2005.
At least five commissioners had to vote in favor of the repeal for it to go through. All seven commissioners agreed.
In the final comments, Commissioner Victor Crist said, "As a Christian, I don't advocate for the gay lifestyle because it's not my thing. As an American, I exercise tolerance because this country was founded on a potpourri of all cultures and religions and perspectives and politics and everything coming together."
