FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 4, 2022

ANDREW WARREN WAS SUSPENDED FOR HIS SUPPORT OF TRANSGENDER FLORIDIANS

TAMPA — Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren was suspended by Governor Ron DeSantis for his support of transgender Floridians, and his support for abortion rights. Exhibit A of the executive order suspending Warren is a joint statement he signed with more than 70 elected prosecutors and organizations pledging “not to promote the criminalization of gender-affirming health care or transgender people.”

The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus made the following statements in response.

Stephen Gaskill, President, Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus:

“Ron DeSantis is fixated on the LGBTQ+ community. His main goal is not protecting vulnerable Floridians from danger, but rather trying to erase us from public life. His suspension of Andrew Warren for his support of the trans community is another despicable act more in line with authoritarian ideals than with the concepts of American democracy. Our message to Ron DeSantis is simple: You cannot eliminate our community and you cannot intimidate our supporters and allies. The bigger enemy you make us, the smaller you get.”

Robin Witt, Vice President, Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus:

“The government has no place making medical decisions for children, transgender or otherwise. State Attorney Andrew Warren pledged to use his judgment within the purview of his authority to protect the rights of parents and children to make their own medical decisions and Gov. DeSantis is punishing him for it. DeSantis’ discriminatory targeting of transgender people and executive overreach into the lives of Floridians are nothing short of tyrannical. I encourage everyone who is disgusted by Warren’s suspension and DeSantis’ cowardly leadership to make their voices heard now and in November.”

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