In a meeting that lasted less than an hour and attracted less than 15 people after the recognition portion of the meeting ended, Asheville City Council breezed through its agenda items this evening. Here are a few of the highlights from tonight’s meeting. Look for a full report from Xpress in the April 18 issue.
•Though Mayor Terry Bellamy was absent from the evening’s meeting, the remaining members of Council unanimously passed a resolution voting 6-0 in favor of equality and in opposition to Amendment One. Before the resolution officially passed, Council member Gordon Smith spoke about the importance of making strides when it comes to equality. Only one person spoke during the public comment related to the resolution, and it was a person associated with the Coalition to Protect All NC Families (an anti-Amendment One coalition). Smith remarked that this showed, “just where our City stands on this issue.”
•Members of Council also discussed the idea of having liaisons for the North Carolina General Assembly and to the the federal government. Vice Mayor Esther Manheiemer stated that a liaison to the General Assembly is crucial when it comes to local issues being discussed in Raleigh, and cited the Asheville Water System debate as an example. Council member Marc Hunt noted that having a liaison would not require an amendment to the budget.
•In unfinished business, Council passed a resolution for a public hearing on April 24 to demonstrate support by Asheville water customers who are in favor of keeping the water’s ownership as it is currently. Bothwell commented that, “it will be nice to hear from local folks who will actually be affected by this instead of legislators from the East.”
•Council recognized the heroic efforts of Jay Bettencourt, the recipient of the WNC Association of Firefighters’ Firefighter of the Year award. Bettencourt was selected for this award based his extreme courage and determination during the fire that took place on July 28, 2011 at 445 Biltmore Ave. Members of Council gave him a standing ovation and thanked him for his valiant efforts in the face of danger.
Council proclaimed:
•April 2012 as Child Abuse Awareness Month
•April 2012 as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month
•April 15-21 2012 as National Volunteer Week
I am not surprised at the votes of this City Council. Thank God North Carolinians have the opportunity to make our voices heard on May 8th. Those of us who love God, His Word, and His plan for the family and society will pass the NC Marriage Constitution Amendment. Each time American’s have been given this opportunity, they have sustained marriage as that being between a man and a woman. NC will do the same! Vote YES on May 8th for the NC Marriage Protection Constitutional Amendment!!!
Before you break out the champagne in celebration, note that recent polls show a majority of North Carolinians opposed Amendment One (see Elon College survey). In addition, it is very difficult to any constitutional amendment; 2/3 of the states have to ratify it within a seven year period. History shows such a feat is rare and difficult.
Such sentiment is about as substantive as resolutions and proclamations.
Let’s take a look at what your God and your Bible actually have to say about marriage, shall we?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFkeKKszXTw
sistah – you seem to believe that God does not love his homosexual children; you are incorrect. There are many Christian churches and believers who support homosexuals in their fight for equality under the law. You have NO right to take a vote on what right(s) other American citizens should enjoy. Vote NO on May Hate8th!
The mayor made it VERY clear how she felt in the council meeting when the Equality Resolution was passed. She declared herself to be a “bible-thumping, tongue-talking, believer. She stated she would NEVER vote for something like that as it goes against her religious beliefs. REALLY! And, she is still mayor, even one unwilling to support a good number of constituents in “her” city. And, she thinks she can represent on a larger scale? I think not.
Congrats to the remaining Council for a strong stand. Agreed with or not, ALL humans deserve dignity and basic rights. There will always be someone who doesn’t agree with another. ANY person or group could be next.
Who will stand up for YOU, when YOUR rights are denied?
carolinasistah,
Your religious beliefs about sexuality are only one piece of the decision making puzzle in this case. The Amendment is going to open a can of worms for lots of heterosexual Christian folks too.
Beyond Gay Marriage: NC Amendment Carries Massive Implications: http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/04/north-carolina-gay-marriage-amendment.php
Now dagnabit! That attached itself to the wrong post.
What is wrong with this site?
And easier question would be what isnt.