Ocean City Is Not Anti-LGBTQ, Mayor Says

OCEAN CITY, NJ — All are welcome in Ocean City, despite recent news reports, Mayor Jay A. Gillian said Friday.

"Recent 'news' stories depicted Ocean City as anti-LGBTQ based on the words of a few individuals months ago," Gillian said in his weekly "Mayor's Update" shared on Jan. 20.

"It's heartbreaking to see this kind of reporting, and I feel obligated to respond on behalf of the community," Gillian continued. "Ocean City accepts and supports all of its students, residents and guests without regard to race, creed or sexual orientation – especially in the schools."

While Gillian did not specify which news reports were the problem, it appears to be in relation to recent stories published by various outlets regarding the Ocean City Board of Education and LGTBQ students. New members of the board opposed the sexual education standards, which include sexuality and gender, that were a major issue during the election.

Three new members were sworn into the Board of Education who participated at a September rally. At said rally, a speaker and pastor apparently gave a speech condemning homosexuality, according to reports. Read more: Petition Supports LGTBQ Students In Ocean City After Protest

This week, Philly Magazine ran a story titled "Is Ocean City, New Jersey, the Next Anti-LGBTQ Town?" that references the September rally.

Another article this week from the Philadelphia Inquirer, with the headline "In Ocean City, a new school board alarms the LGBTQ community and its allies," further delved into the concerns that the local LGBTQ community has about the new school board members.

But these stories do not represent Ocean City, Gillian said.

"The stories' generalizations do not reflect the character or attitude of Ocean City as a whole and are contrary to our core values," he said.