Local clergy push City Council to pass equality resolution

Local clergy push City Council to pass equality resolution
About 25 local faith leaders and several Asheville City Council members gathered today, Jan. 25, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ to advocate for “full equality for all Asheville citizens.” The resolution pushed by the faith leaders — representing a variety of traditions — calls for City Council to take four specific actions, including “extending the city’s employment non-discrimination clause to include sexual orientation, gender, and gender identity or expression.” 
Photo by Jonathan Welch

Bellamy votes against same-sex partner benefits: What do you think?

In her last campaign, Mayor Terry Bellamy avoided taking a position for or against same-sex domestic-partner benefits for city employees. At last night’s Asheville City Council meeting, she left little doubt to where she stood, stating her opposition to such benefits and voting against pursuing them. Does Bellamy’s vote help or harm your opinion of the mayor?