Seems Mayor Mike wasn't done talking about his decision not to sign the same-sex marriage pledge officially unveiled at the U.S. Conference of Mayors in D.C. today. Because hours after we spoke Thursday morning, he took to his Facebook page to post the following:
Upon taking office, I made a conscious decision to focus on issues that create a healthy, viable city and not on those that are partisan and social in nature. I was asked to pledge my support to "Mayors for the Freedom to Marry" in an effort to pressure state and federal entities to legalize marriage for same-sex couples. I decided not to sign onto that letter because that is inconsistent with my view of the duties of the office of the mayor.First, all those playing the "World Class City" game, take a drink. I'll wait. Now, then. The first comment gave the mayor a hear, here ("With you on both issues. Awareness & honesty are most effective in opening hearts & minds"); the rest were far less dig-it. (Said the nastiest of all: "Don't be another Leppert.")
To be a world class city, we must be inclusive towards all citizens, including the LGBT community. Personally, I support the LGBT movement and its efforts for equal rights that they deserve.
And, as someone pointed out in the comments last night, there is now a Change.org petition: "Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings: Sign the Freedom To Marry Pledge Supporting Same-Gender Marriage." When I first saw it at late yesterday afternoon it had 78 signatures; that number's now up to 195. The mayor's office is well aware of its existence.
