After standing on the floor of the Arizona Senate to speak against the GOP-sponsored now-infamous anti-gay “religious freedom” bill SB-1062, Steve Gallardo says he sat down and realized, “Wow. This bill affects me. It affects me directly.”
Senator Gallardo, a Democrat and the Senate minority whip, is 44-years old and running for the U.S. Congress. He called SB-1062 a “game changer” for his career and his life, while speaking with reporters today.
“I’m gay, I’m a Latino, and I’m a senator. And it’s okay.” Gallardo told them. The Phoenix New Times reports Gallardo’s voice was “quivering with emotion.”
Gallardo also said he “couldn’t care less” if coming out affects his political aspirations. “This is about standing up and doing the right thing.”
“After I stood up on the floor and argued against 1062, as I’ve done on many bills before, I sat down and said, ‘Wow. This bill affects me. It affects me directly.'”
“Seeing the people out there, protesting. I thought it’s time,” he says. “It’s time to let people know about me. And to send people a message. I’m more interested in letting people who struggle with this know that it’s okay.”
Congratulations, Senator!
Steve Gallardo is on Facebook and Twitter.
Image via Facebook
Hat tip: Towleroad