Democrat State Rep. Ras Smith addressed the crowd at the LGBTQ+ Day on the Hill. Smith pointed out what he thought was a surprising amount of law enforcement at the rally as if the supporters of LGBTQ+ issues are dangerous people.
Rather, Smith said, it is dangerous to continually “perpetuate hate” he said.
There wasn’t much he had to say that would generate smiles and happiness, he said.
“This is our reality,” he said. “This is what exists in the state that we all love.”
He pointed out the conflicting message of a legislature that holds a subcommittee on a bill to include the number to the suicide prevention hotline on student ID cards but then pushes an agenda that he said increases risk of suicide. He encouraged Republicans to be asked “what they value, who they value and who they see as valuable.”
In six years at the Iowa House, Smith said he hasn’t seen much fairness or equity. But folks have had enough.
“The time for us to look for change in the Golden Dome is over,” he said. “Our work is collective.”
For those not doing anything, he said it is time to do something. For those doing something, it’s time to do a little more. And for those already doing a little more, it’s time to give it all they have.
Smith said it is time for politics of unity and equality.
“Stand for no less,” he told the crowd.
