Florida Senator Shevrin Jones (D-District 35) today released the following statement regarding Gov. Ron DeSantis’ hypocrisy amid ongoing demonstrations against subpar living conditions and the anti-democratic authoritarian regime in Cuba:
“Gov. DeSantis and his allies are very clearly applying a politically-driven double standard when it comes to the right to peacefully protest and exercise free speech. Supporting humanity should never be an either-or situation that’s driven by ‘what’s good politics.’
“The blatant hypocrisy from the Governor and Republican lawmakers is deeply disturbing and only increases the urgency for the people and leaders at every level to keep confronting the misinformation and injustices needed to build safer, healthier communities for ALL Floridians. As we saw from Republicans’ anti-free speech law (HB 1) following last year’s peaceful demonstrations in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, the Governor pursues divisive, dangerous policies whenever it is politically expedient to do so.
“We shouldn’t turn away or ignore suffering in any part of the world, and I urge U.S. leaders and others in the international community to stand up for the people of Cuba, human rights, and democracy. Leaders ought to lift up the voices of all people, not just some based on what voting bloc they might represent.”
