Anti-Gay Activity in San Antonio District 8 Runoff Election
Early Voting began yesterday in San Antonio as (few) voters headed to the polls to determine runoff elections in Districts 5 and 8. In the District 8 race to replace Councilman Reed Williams in northwest San Antonio, Ron Nirenberg is the apparent front-runner having nearly winning 50% outright last month. Opposing Nirenberg, is Rolando Briones who is supported by the outgoing incumbent. But in an attempt to skew to the right for the low turnout runoff, Briones seems to be engaging in some questionable gay-baiting behavior.
Since coming in second to Nirenberg in May, Briones has joined with anti-gay religious and conservative voices in opposing Mayor Castor's call to approve LGBT protections in the city's non-discrimination ordinances. As reported on QSanAntonio.com...
Ripley, who represents Voices of Marriage, along with representatives of the Texas Leadership Coalition, the San Antonio Family Association and the Responsible Government Coalition held a press conference on the steps of City Hall on May 22.
The groups not only oppose the ordinance changes but they also want to roll back the domestic partnership benefits that were granted to the same-sex partners of city employees in 2011. Additionally, they are against Mayor Castro's appointment of a liaison to the LGBT community.
Briones was at the press conference but did not speak from the podium. Instead, a statement was read on his behalf by David Rosa, who last year ran for the 20th District Congressional seat against Joaquin Castro who won the race handily.
More at http://www.burntorangereport.com/diary/13605/antigay-activity-in-san-antonio-district-8-runoff-election .
