Jennifer Carroll
At this point, it is impossible to tell who is telling the truth. However, Florida Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll is a prominent African-American supporter of Mitt Romney and supported strongly by pro-family groups.
Carletha Cole, a former Carroll staffer, claims that she was fired after stumbling upon Carroll in a “compromising position” with her aide Beatriz Ramos. Cole alleges that when Carroll traveled out of town Ramos’ room would be adjacent to Carroll’s. When Caroll’s husband was present, the rooms were not put adjacent.
“That’s totally false and absurd,” Carroll responded to the allegations of a lesbian affair.
Cole has some credibility issues too. She is currently facing felony charges for illegal taping during Carroll’s staff meetings. In Florida, someone cannot be recorded without first giving consent. Cole claims that she did not do anything different from what others of Carroll’s staff were doing.
If Coler really was fired because of what she saw, then there is an abuse of power occurring. Other than that, Carroll and Ramos are consenting adults. Outside the fact that Carroll is married, is this anyone’s business?
There is the matter of hypocrisy, which runs deep among some conservatives who preach against homosexuality but turn out to be gays and lesbians themselves.
Carroll, who served in the Florida state House of Representatives prior to being elected Lt. Governor in Florida, regularly racked up 100% ratings with the Conservative Coalition of Florida. CCF strongly opposes same-sex marriages. Her support for their causes was so strong that twice she was given the Faith and Family Award from the CCF.
In 2008, she opposed a bill that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and an amendment that would have granted protections for gay students.
Although Carroll appears to be relatively silent about her opinions on same-sex marriage and gay rights, she has spoken out publicly for people to “trust God” so that a “righteous government” may arrive to save this nation. In this video, she expressed the need for America to find morality:
“Without a doubt, America and her people are in grave need of prayer, divine guidance, protection, to have good, solid Christians to step up and lead this country on a proper moral path.”
Carroll is definitely not presenting herself a supporter of gay rights. She is using all the code words for the conservative, religious agenda of pro-life and pro-traditional marriage.
Yet the allegations against her are just allegations at this point. Is this another hypocrite on gay and lesbian rights? Or is Carroll being framed by a disgruntled ex-staffer? Take your pick. It is certain more will be coming out.
