Administration doesn’t deny reports that they distanced themselves from LGBTQ event 

DES MOINES – The Branstad administration is not denying a report that it sought to remove its title from the “Iowa Governor’s Conference on LGBTQ Youth,” leading many Iowans to question why the governor would distance himself from an event designed to prevent bullying and lead to a healthy learning environment for all Iowa children.

“Governor Branstad’s silence on this speaks volumes,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chairwoman Sue Dvorsky.  “Either the charges made by the Family Leader are true, or the governor is unwilling to stand up to Bob Vander Plaats and Chuck Hurley. If he is distancing himself from this event, that is unacceptable. For an event that has long been a source of bipartisan cooperation, Gov. Branstad should give it the respect and recognition that it deserves.”

The Des Moines Register reports that Branstad’s office has refused to deny a report published this week by the Family Leader, which said the administration asked conference organizers to remove the word “Governor’s” from the event name.

“Iowa schools should be a safe place for all students and we should encourage organizations like Iowa Safe Schools who work everyday to make that happen, not distancing ourselves from them. I hope the governor will finally give Iowans a straight answer on this and decide to support efforts to keep our schools safe and accepting of all students,” added Dvorsky.