We commend the Cape Gazette for publishing the news story on the recent hate crime in Rehoboth Beach that targeted members of the LGBTQ+ community, and for highlighting the immediate engagement of the Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach police departments. The board of Speak Out Against Hate is pleased to see this story run both online and in the print edition.
The mission of SOAH is to speak out whenever hate crimes and incidents occur in Sussex, whether against groups or individuals. We have reached out to police chiefs and others, including the media, regarding transparency in these matters. It is gratifying to have seen the Cape Gazette reporting early and faithfully about this hateful incident.
SOAH and its board of directors stand in solidarity with David Mariner of Sussex Pride and Kim Leisey of CAMP Rehoboth in denouncing this and any act of hate and/or violence upon any person, group or organization. We fully support those organizations that continually strive to secure safe spaces for anyone in our community.
We denounce these acts of violence through our programs and interventions with faith leaders, business leaders, police officials, elected officials, and youth and school officials. We are working to educate similarly motivated individuals and organizations. SOAH insists that those in positions to execute policies and regulations speak out and develop strategies for legislation to prevent this hateful and potentially destructive behavior. We must make “No hate here” a reality in Sussex and all of Delaware.
Patty Maloney, president
Speak Out Against Hate
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