Rep. Allen Westâs appearance at the Wilton Manors Business Associationâs Aug. 8 meeting has been canceled.
The South Florida SunaSentinel reports:
Bowing to pressure from gay activists who threatened a business boycott, the Wilton Manors Business Association is cancelling an appearance by U.S. Rep. Allen West at its next meeting.
West, a Republican from Plantation, represents a district that includes lots of Wilton Manors.
But the planned appearance outraged some activists in the cityâs large gay and lesbian community.
The Sun-Sentinel adds that âa decision to cancel the appearance was made Monday morning, said Sandra Steen, a member of the board of directors of the business association.â
West, R-Fort Lauderdale, a member of the House of Representatives Committee on Small Business, wrote to the Business Association last Wednesday that he looked forward to discussing business issues with the group. He also requested in the letter that the Business Association take the necessary steps âto ensureâ the meeting âis focused onâ its members.
Westâs letter added, âthat some individuals are calling upon a boycott of the Wilton Manors businesses.â
The Sun-Sentinel adds that âSteen, a Republican, is straight â but sheâs also president of the Log Cabin Republicans, a gay political club. She said she doesnât agree with all of Westâs positions on gay-related issues, but said she supports him on fiscal issues.â