Gay Leader Called 'Childish' for Threatened Boycott Over Allen West's Visit to Wilton Manors

Wilton Manors Mayor Gary Resnick called out homosexual activists for their threatened boycott over U.S. Rep. Allen West's scheduled appearance at a local business association Monday.

"Calling for an economic boycott of our business community because you do not happen to agree with [the Wilton Manors Business Association president's] invitation to Congressman West is?not only counterproductive, but is irresponsible," Resnick said.

Resnick, who is a member of a local gay caucus, said he was "taken aback that such an action would even be suggested.

In a separate statement, officials from the Broward County city backed and filled a bit:

"It should be clear that Ms. Celeste Ellich, current president of the Wilton Manors Business Association, does not in any way speak for the city of Wilton Manors, nor does she represent the city in any capacity.

"As a private citizen and head of a private organization, she is free to rent our facility and invite anyone as a featured speaker. Neither the city nor its businesses were involved in her decision to invite Congressman West."

Christian Family Coalition coordinator Nathaniel Wilcox wasn't so politically correct. He called Michael Rajner, legislative director of the Florida Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Democratic Caucus, "childish."

"How ironic that Michael Rajner,a self-proclaimed advocate of tolerance, who claimstosupport 'equal rights' for all, is bullying and threatening the Wilton Manors Business Association.

"As a U.S. congressman, Mr. West has a duty to inform his constituents of what is happening in Washington. To most fair-minded Americans, Michael Rajner's childish antics only make him look like an intolerant bigot, a closet racist and a hypocrite," Wilcox said in a statement.

Rajner and other homosexual activists say they object to West's social views, which include opposition to same-sex marriage and support for the military's now-jettisoned "don't ask, don't tell" policy.