Birmingham - Proudly Falling Behind Selma
Wheeler adds his voice, pointing out quite eloquently why a non-binding resolution matters to the city of Birmingham.
UPDATE: Here’s the Birmingham News coverage, which includes a sad and telling comment from Councilor Roderick Royal:
“I’m concerned with the lobby for gay and lesbian rights that somehow or another this group insists on equating their movement with the movement for civil rights,” he said. “This is not to say that their movement is not legitimate, but it is to say that to equate it with the noble movement of civil rights does not compare.”
So the fight for his own equality is noble, but it’s just fine that gays and lesbians remain second-class citizens. It’s a good thing there were those in the white power structure during the civil rights movement who didn’t buy into Royal’s “I’ve got mine; I don’t give a damn about you” attitude.
ADDENDUM: Kyle Whitmire at Mixed Media has posted his account.
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The majority of the Birmingham City Council today voted down an inclusion resolution introduced by Councilor Valerie Abbott. I expected some nasty rhetoric, but I’m shocked that the resolution didn’t pass. It was clear that the NO votes were prompted by the fact that the resolution condemned discrimination based on race, age, ancestry, creed, religion, gender, income, disability, national origin, and — God forbid — sexual orientation and gender identity. A copy of the proposed resolution is here.
Mind you, this resolution has been adopted by Aliceville, Talladega, Valley, and Selma. John Archibald of the Birmingham News, not exactly a liberal rag, wrote a column supporting it. But that meant nothing to Councilors Joel Montgomery and Roderick Royal, who whispered, snickered behind their hands, and rolled their eyes like a couple of thirteen year old boys throughout the presentation — nor to Councilor Miriam Witherspoon, who appears determined to make any fight against discrimination about racism only.
Montgomery was open in his disdain and very disrespectful toward Valerie Abbott, who is supposed to be his colleague. Witherspoon appeared furious that gay people and their allies would dare ask for inclusion, although she couched her objections around the idea that resolutions don’t change anything. Really, Ms. Witherspoon? What about the Birmingham Pledge?
And why am I not surprised to see that Joel Montgomery was the only City Council member to vote against a 2002 resolution that condemned Roy Moore’s hateful anti-gay language in a child custody ruling?
The resolution, offered by Councilwoman Valerie Abbott states that Moore’s declaration that a group of human beings are “inherently evil” violates the spirit of the Birmingham Pledge. It expresses “strong disapproval” of Moore’s writings and urges legislators to change state laws that “perpetuate such intolerance.”
The council supported the resolution 7-1 at a committee meeting Thursday. Joel Montgomery voted against it and Carol Reynolds was not present for the vote. Montgomery said the resolution was a political document, not a legislative one and he therefore could not support it.
Ms. Witherspoon is correct that resolutions alone don’t change hearts. They do, however, bring public attention to issues like discrimination. Somewhere along the way, public officials across this nation decided to speak out against racism. Change didn’t come immediately, and racism hasn’t completely disappeared, but even in Birmingham, we’ve come far enough to have a majority-black City Council and a black mayor.
Here are the vote totals: Abbott, Duncan-Reynolds, and Smitherman voted YES. Hoyt, Montgomery, Royal, and Witherspoon voted NO. Parker ABSTAINED. Bell was absent due to illness.
Rep. Patricia Todd (D-Birmingham) spoke in support of the resolution, and she was clearly disappointed with the outcome.
…I happen to be gay and be an elected representative; I’m not the “gay representative”. There have been many other people who have served our fine city who have been gay but didn’t feel welcome enough to be open about it. And I think this vote today demonstrates they have good reason not to be open about that.
…I’m angry; I’m frustrated that we still have to have this conversation and that something that should have been a no-brainer turned out to be controversial. But we clearly know now who’s with us and who’s against us.
Rev. J. R. Finney, who asked me to point out that he is a black clergyperson, had this exchange with a local reporter:
Rev. Finney: …in Birmingham, Alabama, in 2007, African-American City Council people voted against inclusion. That’s devastating…That verdict was carried by African-American City Council people voting against inclusion in the city of Birmingham. That’s devastating.
Reporter: Not just African-American Councilors; white counselors voted against it as well.
Rev. Finney: Well, only one white Councilor [Montgomery] voted against it. His vote would not have counted for much if our African-American Councilors had voted for inclusion.
Reporter: In the Bible Belt, though, is this that shocking?
Rev. Finney: Yes!
Reporter: Why?
Rev. Finney: Because if anybody should know about the value of inclusion, it should be African-Americans. They’re the ones who have been left out so often on the issue of racism, and yet they have made it, by getting elected, and then they turn around and vote against inclusion? That’s ludicrous…It doesn’t make a difference whether you’re in the Bible Belt or not. Inclusion means inclusion.”
Preach it, Brother Finney!
In a response to a reporter’s question about Montgomery’s accusation that the resolution was just “political rhetoric” (the reporter implied this was a reference to Ms. Abbott’s possible run for Mayor, but it seems to be a theme with Montgomery when he doesn’t want to come right out with the homophobia — see above), Valerie Abbott replied:
People are going to say what they feel like saying. These people were all elected to represent the people in their district; unfortunately sometimes elected representatives forget about those people whom they’re representing, and they end up voicing their own personal opinions. In this case, that may be what was happening….in that resolution that we would not discriminate against people for, certainly sexual orientation was one of probably twelve different items, including age, income, race — you know there were so many other things on that list, but we have people who focus like a laser beam on one issue and decided to vote this resolution down because of what I perceive to be a single issue…I thought it [the resolution] would be a great idea for Birmingham. I was wrong. I was wrong about Birmingam. I was wrong about Birmingham’s elected officials.
My friend Howard Bayless, who has done an amazing job as Board Chair for Equality Alabama, was asked what he thought of the vote. His response broke my heart, but it also buoyed my spirit to know that he won’t give up.
I have lived in Birmingham most of my life, went to school here, and always never really felt part of the community, and even more so today. Today I’m really hurt and upset that my government, my City Council, the people I voted into office, do not want me here…I basically need to pack my bags and go…I do not have any faith in this City Council any longer. I will work very hard in the upcoming elections to make sure that we elect more fair-minded leaders.
Go for it, Howard. You won’t be alone. Equality is not a limited commodity. Working toward inclusion of gay people does not take away the amazing progress made by people of color over the past few decades in the US and elsewhere. We are all human beings, and we need to start acting like it.
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A little tidbit for follow-up: a friend of mine thought he saw Joe Reed on the front row, exchanging eye rolls with Roderick Royal and Joel Montgomery. I doubt Joe has forgiven Patricia Todd for winning a seat that he thinks should be black-only and for overcoming an election challenge that he orchestrated (see my posts on the District 54 race here). I’m going to check with some other people who attended and see if I can confirm this. Nope, he wasn’t there (thanks, Kyle).
Also, I recorded some of the follow-up commentary, and Zach and I will try to put together a podcast later today.
March 27th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
I wish I could say I was surprised. I am still saddened, though.
And I’ll second the “Go Howard” — IIRC he and I were at UofM at the same time. Very cool guy.
March 27th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
Part of the problem here is the internal politics of the Council. Many of the Council members don’t like Valerie and they let their personal feelings get in the way of common sense. Unfortunately, the resolution’s death is probably due in large part to the fact that Valerie introduced it. Which does not mean that there isn’t a lot of homophobia in that group.
March 27th, 2007 at 4:58 pm
Lisa, why don’t they like Valerie?
March 27th, 2007 at 5:26 pm
Councillor Montgomery was unbelievably rude with the eye rolls and snide tone. He was rolling his eyes at someone but I was never able to identify who that was.
Although Councillor Witherspoon made a big deal out of the ineffectual nature of resolutions (would she actually have supported a real anti-discrimination piece of legislation?!? - I think not!), she was clear in her initial comments that for her this was about sexual orientation. Clearly the opposing councillors saw this as only about sexuality when in reality it is about embracing a broad view of inclusion. I was pleased to see that there were so many supporters from Equality Alabama and PFLAG present.
Councillor Abbot deserves kudos for seeking to move us forward, not with regard to just GLBT rights, but with regard to all the many forms of exclusion and discrimination experienced by so many of our citizens. Her resolution is not unique or radical, but reflects an initiative of a national municipal civic organization, embraced by cities across the US. Many thanks to Councillor Duncan and Council President Smitherman for their support.
And a special thanks to all those who were present, particularly Representative Todd and Howard Bayless for his tirelss work.
March 27th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
Sad to hear that. Rev. Finney makes a good point, and the fact that black council members would vote against inclusion is a very sad thing, indeed.
March 27th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
I got a campaign call from Patrick Cooper today, so I thought I’d drop him an e-mail and ask for his opinion on the resolution. I don’t know much about him, but I figure his response, if any, might be informative.
March 27th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
Tricia, please let us know what he says.
March 27th, 2007 at 7:33 pm
I am gay and I hate Birmingham… so I guess the feeling is mutual.
Yeah, I am pissed that something so ugly has come out of what should have been a very positive event for the people of our city.
March 27th, 2007 at 7:34 pm
Kathy, I’ll have to explain in some forum where my words won’t come back to haunt me. I can say that I really like Valerie and I think she works hard for the people of the city, but she’s not much of a politician and you have to be one to get things done right now.
March 27th, 2007 at 7:53 pm
Lisa, I figured it was something along those lines. Joel Montgomery strikes me as a sexist asshole (as well as a bit of a homophobe); his demeanor toward Valerie and toward Carole Smitherman was not at all respectful.
Joe, I’m so sorry this happened. I shouldn’t have been surprised, but I was.
David, thanks for your words. I didn’t think I was alone in my assessment of Montgomery’s behavior, but it’s nice to have it confirmed. It was good to see you there today.
March 27th, 2007 at 8:50 pm
Did the resolution also invite the council to hold hands and sing “kumbaya”? Maybe I’m way too pragmatic, but I don’t really see the point of this.
March 27th, 2007 at 9:18 pm
Well, Dan, I think it says quite a bit that the council couldn’t even consider the thought of gays as human beings without some of them acting like a bunch of middle schoolers.
It might not have said anything we wanted to hear, but there it is.
March 27th, 2007 at 9:37 pm
I also don’t see the point in those resolutions that say, “The [insert legislative body here] commends [insert constituent/donor name here] for their [insert birthday/wedding/award here].”
I’m not saying it’s a good thing that the council voted this down, or that they acted like a bunch of homophobes, but I don’t really see anything different happening whether this passed or not.
Again, I’m probably way too pragmatic, but the “feel-good” resolutions really don’t impress me. I bet a resolution that read like, “The City of Birmingham is now okay with black people and think they deserve the same education benefits as every one else” would pass unanimously. But the schools in Birmingham would still suck the next day.
March 27th, 2007 at 10:11 pm
Dan, I see what you mean, but I do think there is value in public statements like this. They can set a better tone for discourse, even if it’s just among the city councilors themselves. One councilor strongly implied that it isn’t uncommon to hear homophobic comments in committee meetings, and given the juvenile public behavior today I’m not surprised.
Yeah, a lot of the resolutions passed by city councils seem pretty stupid, but this is part of what they do. I bet Joel Montgomery never pulls out the “political rhetoric” straw man when the council passes one of your fill-in-the-blank resolutions — he saves that one for a resolution that actually references a real problem.
March 27th, 2007 at 10:15 pm
I dig. I’m certainly not against the resolution or anything. I would just rather wait and get worked up when someone tries to do something with some teeth — like ban books with too much gay or something.
March 27th, 2007 at 10:16 pm
Bad example, since I would have been for the resolution and against the book ban, but you get the point.
March 27th, 2007 at 10:31 pm
Yeah, I knew what you meant.
March 28th, 2007 at 6:57 am
I am with Dan on this one. While it is sad that there is bigotry on the Birmingham City Council (way to call it what it is Reverend Finney), I wouldn’t lose a lot of sleep over a failed attempt to make a positive, but basically empty gesture, by such a mediocre group as that.
March 28th, 2007 at 6:58 am
As an aside, great post title Kathy!
March 28th, 2007 at 11:15 am
Perhaps an over-used quote, but here it is anyway…
“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” (Edmund Burke)
Men = Mankind = People
March 28th, 2007 at 10:40 pm
So far no response from Mr. Cooper, if I ever hear from him I’ll let y’all know.
March 28th, 2007 at 10:52 pm
Thanks! I hear he’s courting gay votes — and $$, of course. His response (or lack thereof) could be telling.
March 29th, 2007 at 11:26 pm
I got an answer…
“I’m in favor of the resolution. It’s a no-brainer. We ought to have an
ordinance. I’m embarrassed by the votes against the resolution. It’s a
resolution, though, that should have been brought up years ago, not in an
election year.”
Interesting point about the timing. I guess I’ll be keeping an open mind about Mr. Cooper, at least for now.
March 30th, 2007 at 8:35 am
I’m impressed by his opinion on the resolution but not so much by the jab on the timing. “Years ago”, the resolution wouldn’t have made it out of committee. And does he really expect everyone who’s running for mayor to sit on their respective hands all year and do nothing?
Still, good for him for supporting the resolution. It is indeed a no-brainer. Thanks, Tricia.
March 30th, 2007 at 11:37 am
Yeah, I actually made note of the timing jab in my response to him.
Still, Valerie hasn’t said she’s actually running yet, so we’ll see.
April 8th, 2007 at 1:47 pm
[...] Birmingham City Councilor Joel Montgomery, last seen acting like a 13-year-old boy over Valerie Abbott’s inclusion resolution, raised the maturity level to, well, maybe that of a frat boy this weekend. He was busted for public intoxication early this morning after police found him in a Southside parking lot looking like this: [...]
April 19th, 2007 at 11:51 am
[...] Wheeler at Alablawg pointed me to Joel Montgomery’s arrest report, which, although the copious swearing has been redacted, paints a clear picture of an arrogant drunk making a fool out of himself. Isn’t it good to know that he’s a member of the Birmingham City Council? Right now, his re-election chances don’t look good. [...]
April 24th, 2007 at 9:18 am
Valerie Abbott told me two things: She plans to re-introduce the resolution (with enough votes on her side) and will run for mayor of Birmingham.
April 24th, 2007 at 9:21 am
She should reintroduce it while Joel Montgomery is out recovering from his injuries.
Thanks, Wade.
May 28th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
EXCLUSIVE: Abbott to run for mayor…
EXCLUSIVE: City council member Valerie Abbott to run for mayor, re-introduce inclusion resolution
……
December 5th, 2007 at 11:13 am
[...] passed with almost no dissent at yesterday’s meeting. Councilor Miriam Witherspoon showed characteristic nastiness toward citizens who expressed concern about the sales tax increase: During the meeting some [...]
February 4th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
[...] fully supported the inclusion resolution that finally passed the Birmingham City Council after some childish nonsense from a few other Council [...]
June 18th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
With California lifting the ban on gay marriage, I am very interested in your opionion as to whether or not the right for gays to marry is a fight that should be part of the African-American agenda. Please feel free to comment at: http://sojournersplace.blogspot.com/2008/06/is-gay-marriage-right-fight-for-african.html
Much Obliged, SjP