Andrew Warren, the former Hillsborough State Attorney, recently sat down with Al Ferguson on Unapologetically Queer to discuss the political attack he faced from Governor DeSantis and the larger issue of attacks on LGBTQ+ rights in Florida.
Last August, Governor DeSantis suspended Warren from his position, alleging that he had committed several wrongdoings. However, it became clear that the governor was targeting Warren for political reasons, after he had spoken out in support of abortion rights, opposed the criminalization of transgender Americans, and fought against discrimination. Warren filed a lawsuit in federal court, and the judge ruled in his favor, stating that the governor’s allegations were false, and that he broke two laws in suspending Warren without legal basis.
Warren’s case is just one of many attacks on the LGBTQ+ community in Florida. From school boards to librarians to businesses, DeSantis has orchestrated an attempt to legislate without any legislation, targeting the trans community, drag queens, and anyone who disagrees with him.
When asked why he thinks DeSantis is taking these actions, Warren explains, “He’s doing this to serve not the people of Florida but to promote his own political brand to serve his own political agenda. This is because he wants to run for president. Rather than doing what true leadership is about – solving problems that make people’s lives better – he’s taking the easy route. He’s being divisive, demonizing people who disagree with him, and his base politically eats it up.”
Ferguson asks Warren if he received any notice to suspend any communication before he was removed from his post. Warren replies that he received no notice at all, and that the governor’s office did not care about the truth, but rather about selling their own alternative facts.
Warren’s reaction to his suspension was not what one might expect. He was more concerned about how it would affect his work in the state attorney’s office that day, as they were working on an important case involving two cold cases from 39 years ago. Warren had promised the victims’ families that he would be there to tell them when the indictment was returned against the men responsible for killing their loved ones.
Warren’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of political attacks. DeSantis’ actions demonstrate the need for continued activism and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community in Florida and beyond. It is up to us to continue fighting for equality and justice and to hold those in power accountable for their actions.
