Video: Starkville Aldermen Vote 5 to 2 To Repeal Equality Resolution

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STARKVILLE, Miss. – (WCBI) “This will go down as a very sad chapter in our city’s history.”

It was one year ago this month, the city of Starkville began making history. The city was the first to pass an equality resolution, with language that protected everyone, including members of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender, or LGBT, community. Mayor Parker Wiseman says the move was more about acceptance, than progression, for residents.

“Starkville is a kind community and a tolerant community. A community that has no appetite for discrimination. I felt it was totally appropriate for Starkville to take a lead on the issue,” says Mayor Wiseman.

Eight cities and towns across the state did follow Starkville’s lead, passing similar resolutions in 2014. In September, after much debate and the Mayor’s veto, their stance against discrimination came into practice by passing a plus-one health insurance policy. That moved allowed workers and their significant others, including those who are not legally married, to obtain health insurance through the city.

It only took, one executive session, three hours, and a 5 to 2 vote, for the Mayor’s vision to further equality to unravel with the repeal of the equality resolution and plus-one health insurance.

“I believe there is no explanation for their action. I certainly was not given an explanation. The public at large hasn’t been given an explanation. The matter was not put on the agenda in advanced. It was not even discussed in the open session of the board meeting.”

While Mayor Wiseman says the repeal will tarnish the image of Starkville to the outside world, it is the opinions of those who live within the city limit that matter the most.

“I am deeply concerned and heartbroken as to what members of our own community who are LGBT people, must be feeling about the elected leaders of the city, with no explanation, withdrawing the statements against non discrimination that relate to them.”

Mayor Wiseman says he plans to veto the decision at their January 20, 2015 meeting. Ward 5 Alderman Scott Maynard and Ward 4 Alderman Jason Walker voted against the move to repeal the equality resolution.Ward 1’s Ben Carver, Lisa Wynn with Ward 2, David Little of Ward 3, Ward 5 Alderman Henry Vaughn, and Ward 6 Alderman Roy Perkins voted to repeal.

Aldermen Walker and Wynn declined to comment on this matter.