HOYLMAN CONDEMNS WRONGFUL TARGETING AND ARREST OF LGBT BEACHGOER AT JACOB RIIS PARK

NEW YORK – State Senator Brad Hoylman (D-Manhattan), the only openly LGBT member of the New York State Senate, released the following statement today denouncing the targeting of beachgoers and unfair arrest of an individual at a traditionally LGBT section of Jacob Riis Park in Queens.

“Jacob Riis Park has been a safe and peaceful haven for LGBT beachgoers for decades. I find any harassment of beachgoers at Jacob Riis and the overwhelming display of force demonstrated by the United States Park Police yesterday to be utterly repugnant. It also seems to be an enormous diversion of resources. I’d hazard a guess that our police have more pressing concerns in this day and age than arresting a nude sunbather at a gay beach.

“The National Parks Police should be ashamed. Just last week we designated Stonewall as a National Monument. Based on news accounts, I hope the police apologize to Mr. Fox and any pending charges against him are dropped.”