AFFA (Alliance for Full Acceptance) Action on Tuesday released the following statement regarding the publication of private messages (click here to see the messages) from state Sen. and gubernatorial candidate Josh Kimbrell (pictured) that include an anti-LGBTQ+ slur, among other remarks:
"AFFA Action learned of the harmful actions of South Carolina Senator Josh Kimbrell (District 11) through a recent FITSNews report revealing his usage of an anti-LGBTQ+ slur in private messages. AFFA Action, an organization dedicated to championing LGBTQ+ rights in South Carolina, demands personal accountability through the withdrawal of Senator Kimbrell’s bid for governor and his resignation from his Senate seat.
"At a time when LGBTQ+ South Carolinians are already under relentless attack with threats to marriage equality via resolution H.5501 and the recently passed bathroom bill H.4756, Senator Kimbrell’s words solidify the anti-LGBTQ+ bias of many members in this Senate.
"South Carolina is home to approximately 192,800 LGBTQ+ adults and countless minors. These individuals are our neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family members. They deserve to be represented by legislators who see their humanity, not targeted by those who weaponize language against an already vulnerable community.
"AFFA Action urges all South Carolinians to reject this language and demand that elected officials represent all people with dignity, decency, and respect."
Ashley Peele, Executive Director of AFFA Action, added the following:
"Senator Kimbrell's use of an anti-LGBTQ+ slur is a disgrace to his office and a direct insult to the nearly 200,000 LGBTQ+ adults in this state who are already fighting for their basic rights. While he hides behind private messages, our community is facing the real-life consequences of the harmful bills that Senator Kimbrell and his colleagues are promoting. Elected officials should treat their constituents with basic respect, not contempt. Senator Kimbrell has proven he cannot do that. We call on him to immediately resign from his Senate seat and to drop out of the governor's race. South Carolina deserves leaders who uplift all people, not someone who degrades the very communities he swore an oath to represent."
About AFFA Action
AFFA Action envisions a South Carolina where LGBTQ+ people possess equal rights and thrive in an environment that fosters safety, freedom, and holistic well-being. AFFA Action is dedicated to championing LGBTQ+ rights in South Carolina by pushing a proactive legislative agenda, electing pro-LGBTQ+ candidates, and leading a bold, statewide political movement. AFFA Action fights for equality by building relationships with legislative decision-makers, trusted
advisors, endorsing, organizing, and electing pro-LGBTQ+ candidates, and coordinating disruptive issue-based media campaigns to upend harmful narratives.