A Dallas resolution in support of gay
marriage appears to be dead after a city counselor withdrew her
support at the last minute.
The non-binding resolution states that
“marriage is a powerful and important affirmation of love and
commitment and a source of social support and recognition” and that
“all couples in loving and committed relationships should be given
the opportunity to create stronger and more successful families
through civil marriage.”
“BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DALLAS, that we support marriage and workplace
equality in Dallas and beyond.”
The item was expected to come up for a
vote on June 22.
According to gay weekly the Dallas
Voice, Councilor Delia Jasso has withdrawn her support.
Because Mayor Mike Rawlings, who sets the agenda, opposes the
resolution, supporters had moved the item to the agenda with the
backing of 5 members of the council, the minimum needed to bypass the
mayor.
Rawlings' chief of staff told the
Dallas
News that the mayor will not place the item on an upcoming
council agenda.
“The mayor has continually stated he
believes this is out of the realm of the City Council and does not
plan to keep it on the agenda,” said Paula Blackmom.
It should be noted that Rawlings
supports marriage equality but believes the resolution is “a misuse
of City Council time.”