The Alliance for Full Acceptance (AFFA), a 501c3 organization based in Charleston, released the following statement on the South Carolina Arts Commission's denial of funding to the Greenville Gay Men’s Chorus and Proud Mary Theatre Company:
"As an organization dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ people in South Carolina, AFFA is extremely disheartened to hear the decision of The South Carolina Arts Commission to deny funding to the Greenville Gay Men’s Chorus and Proud Mary Theatre Company, despite the outpouring of public support for these organizations and their programs.
"When LGBTQ+ organizations are denied funding for projects that have historically received public support, that decision is, on its face, extremely discriminatory and demands serious scrutiny.
"Today, and every day, we join our community members in condemning all forms of discrimination, and demand that LGBTQ+ organizations receive the same fair treatment, consideration, and access to public resources as any other organization.
"Our state entities have a responsibility to serve all South Carolinians regardless of the sexual orientations, gender identities, race, religion, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law that an organization represents.
"We stand with the Greenville Gay Men’s Chorus, Proud Mary Theatre Company, and LGBTQ+ organizations across South Carolina. There is no place for discrimination in our state institutions."