Marion Barry lashes out at gay Councilman David Catania, claiming emotional ‘personal vendetta’
”I attribute your latest actions to my ‘no’ vote on recognizing same sex marriages from other states. Prior to the vote, we worked together cordially and with respect to one another. As you may recall, soon after the vote you came down to my office. To say that you used choice words when speaking with me would be an understatement – you literally cursed me out. Since that time you have been rude, disrespectful, and will not even speak to me even when spoken to.”
DC Councilman Marion Barry issuing a public letter to fellow Councilman David Catania. Barry has had a series of scandals over the last couple of weeks — allegations of stalking an ex-girlfriend who he says is mentally ill, giving a tax-payer funded job to that ex-girlfriend, and most recently facing questions about funding for several projects sponsored by Barry and his staff which allegedly involved forged signatures and at least one person who does not exist. In April, Barry did a flip-flop on his support for same-sex marriages, by uniting with the cause of several anti-gay preachers (including Harry Jackson of Maryland). He was the lone Councilperson to vote against allowing gay marriages recognition in the District. At first, it appeared Barry had supported the measure, but he later denied it. His socially-conservative associates have repeatedly called gays perverted and disgusting in public and claimed that Washington’s African-American majority stands united against same-sex marriages. Barry has said he supports civil unions instead. (Washington Post)
Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
