Birmingham mayor takes stance against Gay Pride on religious grounds
“I will not sign the proclamation! I will not sign the permit if it comes to me for the parade. And I will not authorize the rainbow banners out the city right of way. It’s really just that simple.”
Mayor Larry Langford speaking to Fox 6 Birmingham against Gay Pride taking part in his city of Alabama. The reporter adds that, “Langford says, if it were up to him, the parade wouldn’t happen.” (Fox 6 Birmingham)
“As long as I don’t have to sign it, I won’t interfere with it…. As long as they are conducting themselves orderly, it’s not an issue for me…. I’ll talk to any citizen of the city… They’re making an issue that is between them and God, not between them and me. I do not condone that lifestyle, but they knew that before they even came to me.”
Birmingham, Alabama Mayor Larry Langford, saying that he won’t interfere with Central Alabama Pride’s permit requests to celebrate Pride. But he strongly emphasizes that he will not approve the placement of pride flags nor sign a proclamation acknowledging the event as other recent mayors of the city have. (The Birmingham News)
“My policy is don’t ask because it’s not my business, and don’t put me in the position to make it my business… I don’t condone it, but I also am not sitting in judgment on anyone. I don’t think I’m intolerant, I just don’t condone the lifestyle… Your personal lifestyle should be nobody’s issue but yours. It’s not a civil rights issue, it’s a personal choice issue.”
More reaction from Mayor Langford who, apparently, doesn’t “condone” people being gay. The Birmingham News article also states that the mayor added that “anyone familiar with his personality and religious views should not be surprised by the denial.” (The Birmingham News)
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