GOP lawmakers take aim at LGBTQ+ 'safe places' program in small Florida town

Lawmakers in Mount Dora, Florida are considering legal options to stop business owners from displaying rainbow decals indicating their establishment is a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals. The lawmakers claim that the program could harm the local economy, citing previous boycotts of Bud Light and Target for promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion. Mount Dora's city council approved the Safe Place Initiative last month, which aims to provide accessible safety information and safe spaces for victims of hate crimes. The decision coincides with an increase in anti-LGBTQ+ incidents in the area. Democratic state lawmaker Anna Eskamani criticized the opposition, urging them to focus on more pressing issues.