Florida congressional candidate State Sen. Shevrin Jones is denouncing a false and homophobic text message sent to voters that falsely claims he has HIV.
Condemning the Message
Jones explained that he was turned away under a federal blood-donation policy in place at the time, which restricted donations from gay and bisexual men. That policy has since changed.
“First, the message is false. I am not HIV positive, but I want to be very careful about how I respond to that, because I refuse to defend myself in a way that stigmatizes somebody else,” Jones said.
The text claims it was paid for by Equality Florida, an LGBTQ advocacy group that has endorsed Jones. However, the group denies any involvement and is investigating the source of the message.
Reaction from Opponents
Two of Jones’ major opponents have also condemned the text. Miami-Dade Commissioner Oliver Gilbert called it “a lie and hateful, homophobic and vile rhetoric.” Kendrick Meek Jr. described it as “a fraudulent, homophobic smear,” adding that “South Florida deserves better.”
With the Aug. 18 primary just one week away, Jones said he does not know who is responsible for the false text but wants accountability.
“People deserve to know actually who paid for it and who sent it. It’s dangerous, it’s uncalled for and we should not allow people to get away with that type of behavior,” Jones said.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
