Florida city’s offer of Safe Place to LGBTQ+ people prompts Republican ire

Mount Dora decided to affiliate to popular national initiative but group of state representatives branded it deceptive and coercive'

A central Florida city is moving forward with plans to join the popular national Safe Place initiative protecting LGBTQ+ people and others, despite opposition from Republicans who consider it a deceptive and coercive" political mandate.

Councilors in Mount Dora, a historic and eclectic small city famous for its antiques stores, art galleries and festivals, voted last month to affiliate with Safe Place, which seeks to give victims of hate crimes or bias a temporary shelter if they feel threatened.