A small group of people protesting the
rescinding of a proclamation declaring June Gay Pride month were
arrested this week in Porterville, California.
According to ABC
affiliate KFSN, the Porterville City Council on Tuesday voted to
rescind the proclamation issued by Mayor Virginia Gurrola.
More than 100 people had packed a
previous meeting to discuss the issue.
“There's no hatred. No ill feelings
against homosexual individuals. It is not about them, it's about
government intrusion into our private lives and a smothering attitude
of political correctness,” one man told council members during the
meeting.
“Under the banner of fairness and
equality, I, as a heterosexual, would like a proclamation for July
celebrating heterosexual pride,” a woman said.
After the council acted on Tuesday,
three people were arrested for disturbing the meeting, and the mayor
walked out in tears.
“Gay pride was not born out of a need
to celebrate being gay, so instead of wondering why there wasn't a
straight pride movement, be thankful that you don't need one,” said
Melissa Mcmurrey, who supported the mayor's move.
Opponent Trina Leon said: “The
Christians of this community believe that God's Holy Bible is true.
For us to accept this proclamation would be calling God's word, the
holy Bible, a lie.”
The council has previously taken a
stand against gay rights. In 2009, it publicly supported Proposition
8, California's gay marriage ban.