Tampa Bay Coalition

Eye on GLBT News & Headlines

By R. Zeke Fread

More Than 200 Attend Rally Against Hate Crime

Sonny Gonzales, his partner, Stephen Hair, and their friend Scott Boswell, were joined by over 200 others,

in a show of support for the three men, who were brutally attacked and beaten after attending Tampa Bay PrideFest's "Wet Party". The rally, held Saturday, July 13th., was at Channelside parking garage, the scene where the attack took place on July 6th..

The weekend demonstration, sponsored by Equality Florida and supported by other local organizations, was in condemnation to the attack and to send a strong message against Hate Crimes. The three men bearing the evidence of their injuries received, stitches, bruises, blackened swollen eyes and noses, were a visible

reminder of the viciousness of the beating the men endured.

The executive director of Equality Florida, Nadine Smith, who addressed those attending the rally, said that, "Anytime anyone is hurt, our community suffers. A hate crime sends a signal to the community that we shouldn't feel safe."

Nadine received rousing applause after she told the crowd, "The greatest commitment we can have is to be out, open and honest.''

Another speaker at the rally, Ed Lally, a Tampa gay activist, said ``We will not be intimidated by hate crimes,'' adding, "You can knock us down, but we will get right back up.''

Deputies arrested Devin Scott Angus, 20, he was charged with aggravated battery and battery evidencing prejudice. Angus is accused of yelling slurs and punching Hair and Boswell in their faces. Under Florida law, the battery charge was enhanced from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third- degree felony because it allegedly involved prejudice.

Deputies are looking for a second suspect. Witnesses said a shirtless man wearing red pants in a white Ford Explorer was also involved in the fight.

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