No one would mistake Porterville, CA, for San Francisco, either for its size or its acceptance of the LGBT community. In what looks like payback for her willingness to issue an LGBT Pride Proclamation, Porterville Mayor Virginia Gurrula was removed from her position by the City Council on a 3-2 vote. Vice Mayor Pete McCracken was also removed from his position; although McCracken opposed the proclamation, he supported Gurrula’s right to issue it.
Gurrula wasn’t given a reason for her dismissal from the mayor’s job (which is ceremonial), but all signs point to her issuing the Pride Proclamation. The City of Porterville officially supported Proposition 8 in 2008, so it’s hardly a bastion of acceptance. Gurrula’s support for the proclamation, which culminated in an ugly Council session where local residents unleashed a torrent of criticism. The City Council rescinded the proclamation two weeks later, on the grounds that the LGBT community shouldn’t be receiving “special consideration.”
“To remove somebody from a position is in effect saying you’re not doing the job we want you to do,” Gurrola told a local television station. “Well, then they need to clearly say why are they removing you.”
Seems pretty clear to us.
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Photo credit: U.S. Conference of Mayors
Dakotahgeo
May the city of Porterville’s water supply be tainted and run with blood until the city repents of their unchristian attitude. May they suffer from abominable thirst!
AnitaMann
This is the Central Valley. The Central Valley is a sh*thole.
Cam
@Dakotahgeo:
That area of the state is broke, and basically exactly what AnitaMann just called it. Those bigoted asshats have to live there.
hanrahanjude
just as Mike said I am in shock that a single mom can profit $4128 in one month on the internet. this page……….. BAM%32%31%2E%63om
Go to website and click Home tab for more details.
BJ McFrisky
Seems presumptuous to assume she was removed due to a single statement. I suspect there were other forces at work.
Mark
FUCK her and the town of Porterville, CA
Melissa
@Dakotahgeo: Hey! There are still a lot of us homo’s here 😉
Melissa
Thanks for covering this story Queerty
Kangol
@Mark:
Why are you attacking her?
Dakotahgeo
@Melissa: Oops!!! I goofed, big time. Mea culpa. Hopefully you and your friends can help the City Council see the light, but I have an idea I know what you’re up against. Cement walls are hard to move! Best wishes!
jonjct
nooooooobody cares.
Stache1
@jonjct: I do>
Dakotahgeo
@Dakotahgeo: I do care also!