Over the weekend, Equality Texas was vandalized. Equality Texas is a statewide organization committed to protect the civil rights of every Texan regardless of sexual orientation. Needless to say, sometimes the impressive work they do, elicits strong emotions.
 The large front plate glass window was broken out. Nothing was taken from the office and there was no entry to the building. There was no graffiti and nothing to indicate specifically that we were targeted except that we were the only office hit in our area (there being multiple offices with plate glass windows) - We have called the police and are waiting for a detective to contact us;
- We have contacted our insurance company but this type of damage is specifically excluded from our coverage and our business lease makes us responsible for replacement;
- We have canvassed our neighbors with flyers and have interviewed the businesses around us and have not found any similar type of incidents over the weekend or recently.
So, we cannot determine if this is a specific action targeting Equality Texas.
"We appreciate the concern of our members and our neighbors,"said Paul Scott, Equality Texas Executive Director. "This act of vandalism, whether random or targeted, is a surprise to us in this neighborhood. The act was clearly intended to cause damage to an occupied office and has disrupted our activities as well as will have a financial impact. We thank everyone for their help."
I am not going to speculate to motives, but I will encourage you to support Equality Texas.
Equality Texas is instrumental in this state. They have led the fight to discuss and promote equality for every Texan. They spear headed the campaign "No Nonsense in November" to fight the hateful constitutional amendment making LGBT families second class citizens in Texas. They have stopped Robert Talton from passing laws to prevent LGBT families from giving children a home.
Not to mention, if it weren't for Equality Texas, I might not currently live in Austin. What was known as LGRL at the time gave me an opportunity to fight HJR6 and work with so many great people in Austin and throughout this state.
This state is better off because of Equality Texas and this news, while troubling, give us all an opportunity to thank the men and women who work for Equality Texas.
Show them we care by helping repair their vandalized office and feel free to go one step further and make sure they have the money they need to continue their hard work.
Donations can be made securely online here. |
