Let me be abundantly clear, hate has no home in Rockland County. Today my office was notified about anti-LGBTQ+ graffiti on the exterior of the Rockland County Pride Center in the Village of Nyack. I am disgusted by this type of vandalism surfacing here in Rockland and condemn it in the strongest possible terms.
Words matter and we must not allow intolerance to grow or fester in this beautiful county that we all call home. We must continue our efforts to get to know and embrace our neighbors from different backgrounds. Despite any differences we all seek the same things; a safe and welcoming place to live and work.
While I personally view this incident as a hate crime, we do not know what type of charges the perpetrator may face. I encourage anyone with information about this crime to call or email the Orangetown Police Department at 845-359-3700 and orangetownpd@orangetown.com.
Statement from Commissioner of Human Rights Spencer Chiimbwe
In the wake of the anti-LGBTQ+ graffiti at the Rockland County Pride Center in Nyack, New York, the Rockland Human Rights Commission doubly condemns the incident and submits that such actions are horrific and must not go unaddressed. The Commission will always remain supportive of the work of the Rockland County Pride Center and all other organizations that are working to make our county a great place. No form of social animus will prevent our collective zeal from fighting such frontiers of hate in Rockland County.