The following statement can be credited to Christian Fuscarino, Executive Director of Garden State Equality Action Fund

In a recently released, bombshell video, Republican Gubernatorial nominee Jack Ciattarelli’s is once again caught making inflammatory comments regarding New Jersey’s LGBTQ inclusive curriculum. Ciattarelli resorting to anti-LGBTQ fear-mongering to appeal to the far-right is nothing short of disgusting. In addition to his latest comments, Ciattarelli has falsely previously accused New Jersey educators of teaching “sodomy in sixth grade.” These homophobic dog whistles are nothing short of disqualifying for any elected office.

Although Ciattarelli has repeatedly sided with the political fringe, he continues to claim that his anti-LGBTQ comments have been misunderstood. Meanwhile, it’s Ciattarelli who doesn’t understand. He has conveniently omitted the facts surrounding how the LGBTQ inclusive coursework works, what it teaches, and how it’s already positively impacting students across the state.

By incorporating an inclusive curriculum, New Jersey schools are teaching about the historical contributions LGBTQ people have made in the face of insurmountable barriers and persistent persecution throughout history.

The results are clear — LGBTQ students were nearly half as likely to experience victimization in schools where inclusive curriculum was available and reports of homophobic slurs declined across the state. Additionally, students were more than twice as likely to intervene on another student’s behalf when they witnessed anti-LGBTQ remarks.

While Governor Murphy continues to put us on a track for a more equal and equitable future, Ciattarelli would strip us of the progress we have fought so tirelessly for. The election is just days away and the most effective action we can take is to show up at the polls and vote. Please use your voice this year by getting out to vote! We can’t afford to sit this one out.