Gay Florida Lawmaker Takes on Gun Control
Watch the October 30th broadcast of Prime News
Allow me to introduce you to Carlos Guillermo Smith. Smith is the first gay Latino ever elected to the Florida legislature. After the deadly shootings at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando and now Las Vegas, Carlos is more determined than ever to get guns away from maniacs. In the next legislative session, he plans to champion a ban on assault weapons, representing a community still healing from a gun tragedy aimed squarely at everything he represents.
But it will be no easy feat to pass this type of legislation in a Southern state like Florida. He tried in the 2017 session – his first in office – to pass similar legislation but the ban never got a vote in Florida’s Republican-dominated state House – and that was just months after the attack at Pulse, where 49 people were murdered in the Orlando gay bar in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history (up to that time). But it’s a fight the LGBT community in Orlando has joined furiously.
After the Pulse tragedy unfolded, a chapter of Gays Against Guns formed, and it has become increasingly vocal. Earlier this month, the group could be seen holding a rainbow flag banner at a press conference announcing Carlos’ legislation. Filed October 3, the legislation would prohibit the sale of assault weapons and large-capacity magazines and require certification and conditions for possession of weapons bought before a certain date.
Carlos believes that gun control- in the wake of recent shootings – should be viewed as an LGBT issue itself. “I’ve traveled around the country and spoken to LGBTQ groups, and the passion and energy behind supporting gun legislation is very obvious,” he said. “And the reason why is because we’ve learned LGBTQ people are disproportionately hurt by gun violence.”
If you’re looking to put your charity and volunteer efforts toward a good cause, consider supporting this lawmaker. FCN is not endorsing his as a candidate – as we have not done a full platform and policy review – we are simply letting you know he is out there! – @Trezanay
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