NEWS STATEMENT
Contact: Kenza Hadj-Moussa, 612-386-9556
TakeAction Minnesota Joins Groups Condemning Anti-LGBTQ Statement From St. Paul City Councilor
June 21, 2019
St. Paul, Minn.—Yesterday, St. Paul City Councilor Kassim Busuri released a statement following his refusal to support the city’s resolution to celebrate Pride and the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall riots. Councilor Busuri’s decision, and his subsequent statement, failed to adequately address his position on LGBTQ rights. These recent events reignite concerns about multiple homophobic social media posts made by Councilor Busuri dating back to 2014 and 2015.
TakeAction Minnesota released the following statement:
“In Minnesota, we believe in everyone’s inherent worth and dignity, and the right for all of us to live full, joyful lives. Councilor Busuri has failed to stand up and protect the dignity of our LGBTQ communities, and his response to concerns raised by residents was devoid of any recognition of wrongdoing or apology. We are deeply disappointed and concerned about his ability to lead in a city and state that is home to people of diverse gender and sexual identities.
This occurrence is not a singular incident. Councilor Busuri’s past homophobic social media posts reinforce toxic and harmful ideology—the same ideology used to justify the violence and harm that LGBTQ people face daily.
Our well-being is tied together. St. Paul residents deserve to have a leader who will not only protect their right to express their gender and sexuality, but work to create an even more supportive, caring, and equitable city for all our families and communities.
TakeAction Minnesota joins its queer-led partner organization, OutFront Minnesota in calling for Council Member Busuri to apologize and meet with leaders and constituents in the LGBTQ community.
Echoing OutFront Minnesota’s statement, we also see and recognize the full diversity and scope of the LGBTQ community, including Muslim members and allies, and people from all faiths and background. Together, we can imagine a future with healing, justice, and liberation for all.”
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TakeAction Minnesota is a statewide, independent, multiracial people’s organization working to advance democracy sand equity through organizing, political action, and campaigns. The organization has offices in St. Paul, Duluth, and St. Cloud.
