Wednesday, August 25, 2010
News Mayor A C Wharton on the Non-discrimination Ordinance
Posted by Bianca Phillips on Wed, Aug 25, 2010 at 12:09 PM
Here's a statement from Mayor A C Wharton that was mailed to the media last night and posted on the mayor's Facebook page:
- A C Wharton
“Given the events that transpired today in the Personnel, Intergovernmental & Annexation Committee of the Memphis City Council, it is necessary to clarify my position on the issue of the non-discrimination ordinance.
“Allow me to be clear: throughout my career in public service, most recently as Shelby County Mayor when this same issue was under discussion by the County Commission, I have made it clear that I believe governments should focus on merit and merit alone in their hiring and purchasing policies. My vision is for Memphis to be a city of choice for all people, which means that our long-term economic strength will require all individuals, regardless of their personal creeds or viewpoints, to work together toward a shared vision of prosperity.
“Over the past several weeks, I have watched with great interest to see what direction the City Council will take. This discussion originated with them and will conclude with them. I will abide by my duty to support whatever actions they take. My hope is that they proceed in a way that aligns with our values of inclusiveness and non-discrimination.
“My beliefs or views on the subject have been clear and consistent throughout my entire life. I will not permit them to be mischaracterized by any group, individual, or elected body who seek a convenient excuse for not confronting the issue now that it is at hand.”
Comments (7)
Showing 1-7 of 7
like
dislike
Yes, Brave Sir AC turned about
And gallantly he chickened out
Bravely taking to his feet
He beat a very brave retreat
AC makes it abundantly clear that he clearly doesn't have a clear position on the issue.
Concerning Gay Rights in Memphis to the Mayor of Memphis:
I spoke last night at the end of the city council and thought I should share with you the same points.
I am an openly gay man here in memphis. Not everyone has the luxury of strength that I have. Not everyone works in an environment where I am cherished not just for what I can provide the firm I work for but also for who I am and who shares my life with me. I expect acceptance from this city. I expect you to use reason and understanding and allow me all the same rights as any other individual. Since not everyone has my situation, and trust me almost no one I know does in this city, I expect to you to acknowledge the discrimination of gay women and men in this city and I expect protection of those weaker than me.
I have waited more than a long time for a bit of common sense to come to the government of memphis concerning gay rights. My love for my boyfriend is not a sin and will never be a sin. If citizens of this city choose to believe things unwarrented that is their right. With that said, I want my right to live as an openly gay man. It is NO ONES RIGHT to tell me that I should be oppressed and that my love is anything other than pure and natural.
Be the change needed in this city, do not play politics with my life.
(if you would like to see my statement to the city council use the link below and fast forward past the man praying at 05:28:00)
http://memphis.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.ph…
Thank you for your time.
Michael J. Hildebrand | michael@killingclipart.com
Michael, Now THAT was clarity. Clearly AC is not clear on the definition of that word.
THIS WEEK'S ISSUE
SPECIAL ISSUES
