NC: Durham City Council votes unanimously for marriage equality resolution

by: Pam Spaulding

I am very proud of my hometown tonight after attending the Durham (NC) City Council meeting where a resolution supporting civil marriage equality for same-sex couples was passed unanimously. Mayor Bill Bell and council members affirmed marriage equality. While NC does not allow gay and lesbian couples to marry, it is heartening to have the support of the Bull City (our state legislature has also turned away, for the sixth time, a state marriage amendment).

When I entered the council chambers to sign up to speak (around 6:20, with the meeting to begin at 7PM), it was already filling up. I gave a hug to Mayor Bell, who has known me since I was a little p-a-m. He apparently keeps up with the "trouble" I get into on the Blend and in The Durham News. I was also greeted and hugged by Mike Woodard, who frequently marches in the Pride Parade with the allies and "family" Old West Durham peeps (even though neither of us live in the neighborhood these days).

I sat down in the second row. After several proclamations and bits of business it came to the main agenda items of the night. It was clear this was a big meeting for two reasons -- the resolution and a matter concerning the city's recycling vendor contract. I'm sorry to say that I was not up to date on the latter issue, but after an excruciating hour of debate that shed little light (at least to me) on what the outcome was, it was time for the resolution.

The council decided to move on the issue, meaning no debate was needed. All but one of those who signed up to speak was in favor of the equality resolution. One woman in my row (well-known local homophobe and failed political candidate Victoria Peterson) jumped to her feet to object (about 4:30 in) "Excuse me, I'd like to speak." Mayor Bell firmly, but politely told her "I'm running the meeting" and said they were ready to move the item and vote. And they did -- and there was a standing ovation

http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/12536/nc-durham-city-council-votes-unanimously-for-marriage-equality-resolution