OutFront Condemns Anti-LGBTQ Statements from St. Paul Councilmember

OutFront Condemns Anti-LGBTQ Statements from St. Paul Councilmember

[Minneapolis] OutFront Minnesota, the state’s largest LGBTQ advocacy organization, strongly condemns homophobic remarks and posts from St Paul Councilmember Kassim Busuri.

“It is not possible for a lawmaker to hold hateful beliefs and leave them outside the halls of power. We are calling for Councilmember Busuri to apologize for his remarks and make a commitment to meet with LGBTQ leaders and constituents to learn how to support our community needs,” said Monica Meyer, OutFront Minnesota’s Executive Director.

Remarks like these make LGBTQ Minnesotans and Saint Pauites feel unwelcome, unwanted and unsafe. Elected officials have a duty to represent all of their constituents. Hateful rhetoric undermines that duty and has no place in Minnesota.

OutFront Minnesota reached out to Councilmember Busuri in hopes of hearing an apology or an interest in moving forward. No apology was received, and he reiterated his commitment to his anti-LGBTQ views while admitting that he may just need more information. OutFront plans to continue conversations with the Saint Paul Council Member as we pursue municipal policies for LGBTQ equity.

OutFront has worked with leaders from many different faith backgrounds over the years — faith leaders who have fought alongside us for LGBTQ liberation. We know that no religion preaches hate and it is misguided and wrong to use religion for that purpose. It is shameful that any elected official in the United States would be supportive of laws that criminalize our identities and it is even more disheartening to see this in our backyard.

Nevertheless, we look forward to celebrating this Pride weekend with a host of our LGBTQ Muslim community and allies, including, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, a staunch defender of LGBTQ rights.

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OutFront Minnesota is the state's largest LGBTQ civil rights organization. Our mission is to create a state where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people are free to be who they are, love who they love, and live without fear of violence, harassment or discrimination. For more than 30 years we have led the way toward LGBTQ equity.