This week Belmar Board of Education member Antoinette Raucci Aumack condemned “homosexuality” as a “sin.” In response, New Jersey LGBTQ Democrats Chair Lauren Albrecht issued these remarks:

In the wake of Belmar School Board Member Antoinette Raucci Aumack’s remarks on Facebook that “homosexuality is a sin,” and her subsequent refusal to further elucidate that point other than to say “If you are a Christian then you believe in the Bible. If you believe in the Bible, then you believe that the Bible is true and it says that homosexuality is a sin,” New Jersey LGBTQ Democrats Chair Lauren Albrecht voiced concerns about Ms. Aumack’s ability to serve all students in Belmar schools without prejudice.

Albrecht states, “Ms. Aumack’s apparent religious belief is in severe conflict with the position she holds on the Belmar Board of Education. It’s critical to note that there are many LGBTQ families in Belmar- how can LGBTQ students and LGBTQ parents trust that Ms. Aumack will have their best interest in mind? Our LGBTQ youth are more than four times more likely to seriously consider suicide than their non-LGBTQ classmates, and it’s not because they’re LGBTQ- it’s because of the antiquated and destructive messaging coming from people like Ms. Aumack.

Ms. Aumack’s religious beliefs have no place in public schools, and further- many LGBTQ people believe in Christian faith. There are many Christian churches that welcome LGBTQ people without condemnation. During Pride month, while our community celebrates our history, achievements and perseverance in the face of violence and bigotry, Ms. Aumack found it incumbent on herself to let the LGBTQ and ally residents of Belmar know that she believes we are all sinners. We certainly hope that the residents of Belmar act accordingly to unseat Ms. Aumack and replace her with someone who will serve all Belmar students and families without prejudice.”