The Republican Party of Florida has suspended Chairman Christian Ziegler and is demanding his resignation following an emergency meeting held on Sunday. This comes in response to calls made by Governor Ron DeSantis and other top officials for Ziegler to step down as police investigate a rape accusation made against him.
According to police records, Ziegler is accused of raping a woman with whom he and his wife, Moms for Liberty co-founder Bridget Ziegler, had a prior consensual sexual relationship.
The party's motion to censure Ziegler, posted on the social media platform X by Lee County GOP Chairman Michael Thomason, stated, "Christian Ziegler has engaged in conduct that renders him unfit for the office."
During the closed-door meeting, Ziegler attempted to defend himself, but the party board swiftly took action against him, according to Thompson. Thompson posted, "Ziegler on soap box trying to defend himself, not working," before confirming the votes.
The party's executive committee will hold another vote in the future to decide whether to remove Ziegler.
Sarasota Couple Faces Controversy Amid Rape Accusation
The recent rape accusation against Christian Ziegler, a prominent member of the Sarasota community, has sparked controversy and raised questions about the couple's stance on LGBTQ+ rights.
According to police documents, the Sarasota Police Department is currently investigating the woman's accusation that Ziegler raped her at her apartment in October. The documents reveal that Ziegler and his wife, Bridget Ziegler, had planned a sexual threesome with the accuser that day, but Bridget was unable to make it. The accuser claims that Christian Ziegler arrived anyway and assaulted her.
Christian Ziegler maintains his innocence and argues that the encounter was consensual. He has not been charged with a crime at this time.
The accusation has also had repercussions for Bridget Ziegler, an elected member of the Sarasota School Board. Despite not being accused of any crime, the board voted to ask for her resignation. Bridget Ziegler has refused to step down.
The Zieglers' relationship with another woman has further fueled criticism and accusations of hypocrisy, particularly considering their outspoken opposition to LGBTQ+ rights.
Several prominent Republican figures, including Governor Ron DeSantis, Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz, and Florida's Republican House and Senate leaders, have all called for Christian Ziegler's resignation in light of the accusations.
"The recent events involving the Zieglers are deeply concerning and warrant a thorough investigation. We cannot tolerate any form of sexual assault or misconduct," said Governor DeSantis in a statement.
Source: [Original Source]
