Aug 28, 2007 11:33 pm US/Eastern
Naugle Stripped Of Tourism Post
Anti-Gay Remarks Blamed For Broward Commission Decision
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FT. LAUDERDALE (CBS4) ―
Major Jim Naugle stands behind his comments about gays, despite a unanimous vote that booted him off of the Broward County Tourism Development Council.
The Broward County Commission voted unanimously Tuesday evening to remove the controversial mayor of Ft. Lauderdale from the Council.
"Let's do the right thing, lets throw him off this council," said Broward County Commissioner Ken Keechl.
Naugle became a lightning rod for criticism with his comments over homosexual sex in public places within Ft. Lauderdale. Commissioners called Naugle's words and anti-gay comments "offensive" and "appalling."
But the outspoken mayor says he's got enough on his plate already, and he stands steadfast behind his beliefs regarding tourism.
"I want to sell Ft. Lauderdale for our beautiful beaches, our restaurants, and our river walk, the theater, and our libraries, not to direct people to bath houses and sex clubs," Naugle said.
The commission heard testimony from the Tourism Development Council. The council says last year nearly one million gay and lesbian tourists visited Broward County and they spent more than one billion dollars in the county.
"I have tremendous support from the Ft. Lauderdale community," said Naugle.
However, the Broward commission might feel otherwise.
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