Opponents of gay rights in Porterville,
California are asking the city council to rescind a proclamation
declaring June Gay Pride month.
The proclamation was passed two weeks
ago by Mayor Virginia Gurrola.
According to ABC
affiliate KFSN, more than 100 people packed a city council
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.
Members also heard from supporters of
the proclamation.
“City council members, look at us.
Look at all of us in here. We are your constituents and we will not
be silenced,” a woman wearing a rainbow armband testified. (A
video report is embedded on this page. Visit
our video library for more videos.)
The council has previously taken a
stand against gay rights. In 2009, it publicly supported Proposition
8, California's gay marriage ban.
Council members will vote on whether to
rescind the proclamation at its July 16 meeting.