Bill Recklessly Encourages ‘Values Vigilantes’
Delray Beach, FL — Truth Wins Out (TWO), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to combating anti-LGBTQ extremism and defending democratic values, strongly condemns Florida’s SB 1134, a sweeping and punitive measure that targets local diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and invites private citizens to weaponize the courts against their own communities.
The legislation, sponsored by Clay Yarborough (R-Jacksonville), would prohibit local governments from using funds “by employees, contractors, volunteers, vendors, or agents to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.” It further empowers any city or county resident to sue a local government they believe is in violation of the law and recover damages and court costs.
“This bill is a naked abuse of state power designed to intimidate local communities that value inclusion and diversity,” said Wayne Besen, Executive Director of Truth Wins Out. “SB 1134 creates a ‘bigot bounty’ system, incentivizing ideological ‘values vigilantes’ to harass local governments and punish them for hosting multicultural events or supporting inclusive policies.”
Under SB 1134, routine and widely supported civic activities could become legal minefields. Cities across Florida sponsor cultural and heritage events that draw significant tourism revenue and reflect the diversity of their populations.
For example, the City of Orlando supports major community events such as Come Out With Pride Orlando, the Lunar New Year celebration, and the Puerto Rican Day parade. According to reporting by the Orlando Sentinel, Orlando’s Downtown Development Board spent $20,000 sponsoring last year’s Come Out With Pride parade, which drew more than 200,000 attendees. It also spent $4,350 sponsoring The Pantastic-Steelpan Jamboree, organized by the Caribbean American Passport Multicultural Initiative.
Such sponsorships are common throughout the state and are central to local economic development strategies. Festivals and parades bring tourism, support small businesses, and strengthen civic identity. These are not fringe activities—they are mainstream, widely attended community celebrations.
“Why are state officials who reject equality, dignity and diversity imposing their narrow ideology on cities that clearly embrace these values?” Besen asked. “This is the big boot of state tyranny stomping into local affairs. It is Tallahassee overriding the will of cities and towns that know their communities far better than distant politicians.”
Beyond restricting funding, SB 1134’s enforcement mechanism raises profound concerns. By authorizing private citizens to sue local governments and recover damages and legal costs, the bill effectively deputizes self-appointed “Values Vigilantes” to police local governance. The predictable result will be a chilling effect on community programming, as cities and counties may scale back or cancel inclusive events out of fear of costly litigation.
“This is governance by intimidation,” Besen said. “The goal is not fiscal responsibility or transparency. The goal is to scare local leaders into abandoning programs that celebrate multiculturalism, LGBTQ inclusion, and racial equity. It transforms neighbors into bounty hunters and turns civic life into a legal battlefield.”
Truth Wins Out also warns that the bill represents a broader pattern of state-level overreach in Florida, where lawmakers have increasingly sought to centralize authority and curtail local discretion. Historically, conservative policymakers have championed local control. SB 1134 abandons that principle in favor of ideological enforcement.
“Senator Yarborough should mind his own business and respect the autonomy of Florida’s cities,” Besen said. “Local governments are accountable to their own voters. If residents object to specific expenditures, they can vote their local leaders out of office. They do not need a state-imposed surveillance and lawsuit regime.”
Truth Wins Out will continue monitoring the bill’s progress and mobilizing advocates to oppose legislation that undermines equality, local governance, and democratic principles.
