A Jacksonville councilman is getting some negative attention after going public with his views on gay rights.
Clay Yarborough initially made headlines by asking some reportedly inappropriate question when considering candidates for the city’s Human Rights Commission.
Before voting on two nominees, Yarborough asked each questions about gay marriage, God, Islam, and prayer in public places. The city councilman said that before voting, he felt it was necessary to better know the beliefs of Mayor John Peyton’s commission nominees.
One nominee, University of North Florida professor Parvez Ahmad, answered Yarborough’s questions and was recommended for approval. The other nominee, Florida Coastal School of Law professor Susan Harthill, did not. Yarborough blocked her appointment, saying he “didn’t have enough information about her to know whether she was a good fit,” reports The Florida Times-Union.
Then, in a follow-up interview, Yarborough went further in publicizing his anti-gay views. When asked about gays in office, he said: “I prefer not.”
He was also asked whether Florida should allow same-sex marriage. He said “it’s not something that needs to be perpetuated in our country. It’s not good. It’s not right.”
