The opponent of gay Hillsborough County Commission candidate Kevin Beckner has sent out a call to his supporters to oppose a Day of Silence scheduled for April 25. In an e-mail, Commissioner Brian Blair told his supporters that the day, which is being held in the memory of 15-year-old hate crime victim Lawrence King, is inappropriate since the school system doesn’t allow a daily minute of silence for prayer.

The e-mail includes information provided by the American Family Association that warns “Your child’s classroom may be disrupted by gay activism” and encourages members to complain to their children’s school administrators.

Blair’s e-mail reads:

I have always believed that all citizens are equal and should be treated accordingly. On the other hand, no group of citizens should be given government sanction and support to promote their social and sexual agenda upon the rest of us and especially, our children. The attached email provides information about a “Day of Silence” for homosexuals in our schools. Considering the fact that the same school system does not want to allow just one Minute of Silence in the classroom for God, this is preposterous.

I encourage every parent of children in the participating schools to voice their opposition to this proposal to the school administration, the School Board the newspapers and to family and friends. Can you imagine asking for a “Day of Cheer for Heterosexuality?” If no action is taken to change this policy, then perhaps it is time for another surgical strike from the majority; a “Day of Abstention” from school participation might be considered.

In 2005, Blair voted to prevent the county government from acknowledging gay pride celebrations.

Kevin Beckner is a ten-year resident of Tampa Bay. He has a background in criminal justice and is a former police officer. Now, he is a certified financial planner and is active in LGBT advocacy groups including Equality Florida and the Human Rights Campaign.

To contribute to Kevin’s campaign, click here.