(Joe Ybarra Reporting)
Porterville mayor sparks debate over LGBT proclamation
Porterville mayor sparks debate over LGBT proclamation
A South Valley community is divided after the Mayor of Porterville proclaimed this month as LGBT Pride Month.
Not everyone was pleased with that action and many voiced their opinions at Tuesday night's meeting.
Mayor Virginia Gurrola did not want to comment on camera but during the council meeting she said she didn't expect to create this kind of divide. "My love is for this community that we come together and pray for one another," said Gurolla.
Mayor Gurolla struggled with words about her attempt to raise awareness and bring unity, which backfired and fueled anger.
Many support the mayor's decision while others feel she overstepped her boundaries. "She was trying to speak for the community and the community is against coming out and celebrating someone's sexual choice," said resident Dennis Townsend.
Several City Council members didn't approve how the proclamation came about, so the mayor signed it alone and closed the meeting with a tearful statement. "Why did I do this? To tell the youth to stand up... stand up and be proud of who you are."