On August 2, 2011, The Miami Herald's Gay South Florida Blog, by Steve Rothaus, published an article, "Al Cardenas' wife, Diana: Gays 'are in our faces with public display of affection, gay parades, gay rallies, non-stop bombardment!!!" in which, Diana Cardenas, wife of American Conservative Union President, Al Cardenas, espoused anti-gay rhetoric.

SAVE Dade Executive Director, CJ Ortuno, issued this response to Mrs. Cardenas: 

Miami, Fl. - "SAVE DADE is south Florida’s largest organization representing the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. We advocate every day on behalf of people who have every right to live their lives openly. Mrs. Cardenas' opinions are not only outdated, steeped in old prejudices, but are a filled with hatred and vile in nature."

"Maybe Mrs. Cardenas lacks the information or basic knowledge of the major economic impact delivered each year through LGBT-based tourism. We simply cannot imagine Mrs. Cardenas wanting to reject this annual, recurring revenue for Miami-Dade County and substitute it with increased taxes paid for by our residents. Sadly, her comments do great harm and make our community less attractive for visitors, which will result in the bleeding of badly needed revenue."

"For the sake of moving forward with bridging the divide in our community, and bringing together all minorities, be it ethnic, racial or religious, Mrs. Cardenas should temper her offensive and disgusting remarks. We sincerely hope she will retract her public comments that aim to hurt so many, and pauses to reflect on the pain she has caused her community."

CJ ORTUÑO | Executive Director | SAVE Dade Safeguarding American Values for Everyone 305.751.SAVE (7283) office | 786.351.0656 cell | 1.800.396.8709 fax 4500 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 340 | Miami, FL 33137-3227 Go towww.savedade.org SAVE Dade’s mission is to promote, protect and defend equality for people in Miami-Dade County who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.