LGBTQ group removes its endorsement of Navarro

SAVE Dade, a group that aims to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people against discrimination, revoked its endorsement of a MiamiDade County School Board member.

SAVE Dade Executive Director Orlando Gonzales said District 7 incumbent Lubby Navarro asked the group to remove her from their list of endorsed candidates. Gonzales said Navarro informed them that she had received and accepted an endorsement from the Miami-based Christian Family Coalition Florida, which calls itself “profamily” on its website.

In a voter guide posted on the coalition’s website, Navarro is marked as a

“highly qualified” candidate who supports prohibiting “biological boys in girls’ bathrooms and locker rooms.”

“That’s the policy issue that concerns us the most,” said Gonzales. “What she said in our interview ... was that she would be voting against that kind of legislation or policy.”

He added, “There’s a conflict in what she’s telling us and what she’s saying to the CFC.”

Gonzales said all candidates vetted by SAVE Dade are specifically asked if they will pursue an endorsement from the coalition, a deal-breaker for the pro-LGBTQ group. He said all candidates receive a questionnaire, and once turned in, are interviewed for an endorsement.

Gonzales said declined to share specific details of

Navarro’s stance on trans youth or provide the Herald with a copy of her questionnaire.

In a text, Navarro told a reporter, “I support all students.” She did not answer questions about her stance on trans youth and why she accepted the coalition’s endorsement after receiving the SAVE Dade endorsement.

Both organizations said they did not make any donations to Navarro’s campaign, which has topped $100,000, almost doubling the amount raised by her two challengers: Marie Flore Lindor-Latortue and Lorraine Ordenes Real.