KAIT reports on a controversy in Pleasasnt Plains (Independence County, pop. 347) following a same-sex marriage in the city community center. Hang on for a happy ending.
Before it was over, an infamous anti-gay figure reared his head and city residents got a lesson in the U.S. Constitution, though apparently some would prefer banning marriages from the community center altogether rather than hosting another legal marriage of people of the same sex, protected though such couples are against government discrimination by ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Amy Rice officiated at the marriage in October. The community center is available for partially refundable $125 for community events, including birthdays and weddings. Somebody complained. A big crowd turned out for a town council meeting Tuesday on the topic. Rice said she thought she knew the community and that it would be open to the wedding.
One of those who signed up to speak was a no-show. He’s the infamous Clint McCance, who resigned from the nearby Midland School Board in 2010 after a controversy stirred by his anti-gay remarks. He’s popped up since as a supporter of Chick-fil-A.
Kudos to the mayor who invited attorney Alexandra Chunn to explain the law.
“Denying same-sex couples the use and enjoyment of the community center would be discriminatory and it would violate the LGBTQ community’s rights,” Blair and Stroud Attorney Alexandra Chunn said.
The council then unanimously voted to allow the community center to be open to everyone in the community.
Still more happy ending from the KAIT report:
One Pleasant Plains native drove from Memphis, Tenn. to attend the meeting and she’s worried about the city’s future.
“My concern is the message this sends to vulnerable children and adults who might be thinking am I welcomed here, is this a place I could be safe?,” Edit Love said. “The message that was given in tonight’s meeting was overwhelming, we are behind the law and the law says you will be protected, you will be safe. So, I’m satisfied tonight.”
The mayor said he hopes the community can move forward because although it is a small community, it’s one with a big heart.