NEW CITY – Rockland County legislators are condemning a hate slur targeting members of the LGBTQ+ community after it was found spray-painted on the outside wall of the building housing the Rockland County Pride Center in Nyack.
“This is completely unacceptable language and behavior and like all hate speech, I condemn it in the strongest way possible,” Rockland County Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. said. “It is hard to see that in 2023, there are still bullies and haters out there who think nothing of spewing such horrible language toward other people. It is wrong and I want everyone who works or uses the services at the Pride Center to know that I stand with them and against the animosity someone has hatefully put on display.”
County Legislator Harriet Cornell, who represents Nyack, also condemned the use of the slur.
“The people who work at the Rockland Pride Center, and who use its vital services and attend its wonderful events, are our friends and neighbors and they do not deserve to be attacked with hateful words,” Cornell said. “I denounce this horrible action, which not only upsets but frightens people – gay and straight – and I stand against this repulsive behavior.”
Nyack Village Mayor Don Hammond said the graffiti was found Wednesday morning, spray-painted in blue on the pride center’s white wall, just underneath banners that say, “Fight for Our Future,” along with the words, “Rockland County Pride.”
He said the incident was reported to the Town of Orangetown Police Department.
“Nyack is a safe space for everyone, and the Village of Nyack is proud to call the Pride Center a neighbor,” Mayor Hammond said. “We condemn this act of hate and stand together in strong support of our LGBTQ+ community.”
