Just a few days before the St. Pete Pride Carnivale, Rick Kriseman received the endorsement of two prominent LGBT advocacy organizations in his campaign for mayor of St. Petersburg.
Equality Florida and the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County announced their support of Kriseman on the week prior to the 11th Annual St. Pete Pride celebration, the largest pride celebration in the Southeast U.S. ย
Kriseman has been a longtime supporter of St. Pete Pride serving as Grand Marshal in last yearโs promenade. While in the state legislature, where he represented Pinellas County including parts of St. Petersburg and Gulfport, Kriseman co-sponsored legislation to protect workers against hiring discrimination due to sexual orientation or gender identity; repeal the state ban on gay and lesbian adoption; and to create a statewide domestic partnership bill.
โI am proud to have the support of the LGBT community,โ Kriseman said in a statement. โAs mayor, I will ensure that St. Petersburg remains a city that values and celebrates diversity.โ
Pride events begin Wednesday, June 26, highlighted by the Carnivale street festival and promenade on Saturday, June 29. Organizers expect between 100,000 to 125,000 will attend.
โAs a legislator and as a St Petersburg City Council member Rick Kriseman has been a champion for equality,โ said Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith.
The mayoral primary election is on August 27, 2013.
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