Salina, Kansas Mayor Barb Shirley is the state's first mayor to join Mayors for the Freedom to Marry, which supports gay marriage.

“I have zero tolerance for any discrimination,” Shirley told the Salina Journal. “As a mother, wife and community leader, I want people to know that no matter who you are, you are loved and deserving. I want all people to have the same civil rights. United we stand, divided we fall. So I, Barb Shirley, stand for gay rights.”

Shirley was installed as mayor on April 15.

More than 300 mayors have joined Mayors for the Freedom to Marry, which launched last year with 80 mayors. Members pledge to support marriage equality in their communities.

Robert Noland, director of the Kansas Family Policy Council, called Shirley's move “unfortunate.”

“I think it is unfortunate the mayor has decided this is a statement she wants to make when an overwhelming amount of Kansans support marriage between one man and one woman,” Noland said.

Nicole Collins-Bronzan, communications director for Freedom to Marry, thanked Shirley for her support.

“Mayors for the Freedom to Marry is one of our programs showcasing mayors from across the country that support marriage,” she said. “We deploy our mayors as spokespeople in the community. We are thrilled to have Mayor Shirley on board.”