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| Jefferson County Board Member- Jeremy Hall (photo by: Church of the Good Shepherd) |
by: Colby Kluthe, MetroEast NEWS
More than 50 local residents and equality supporters gathered upon the Jefferson County Courthouse in Mount Vernon on Monday July 23rd. Organized by allies and joined by the LGBT communities of southern illinois, the peaceful demonstration hoped to bring awareness to a non-binding resolution recently passed by the county board. The resolution which passed 11-1 was a measure which affirms the current ban on same gender marriage on the statewide level.
Local county board member Jeremy Hall was the single vote against the measure to which he explained to local reporters that the language "as worded it read with pure hatred". Hall joined with organizer Amanda Duncan, a Mount Vernon resident in opposition to the measure.
"People are interested in what is happening here in YOUR community and they are NOT happy. We have support and are going to use it! we are NOT going to stop until this board listens." Explains Duncan. The controversy has stirred up national attention in the past few days.
Also joining in the demonstration were Micah Bennet and Pastor Sonja of Church of the Good Shepherd in Carbondale.
In a recent statement, organizer Amanda Duncan offered thanks to the grassroots effort that lead to the success of the demonstration. " I need to say thank you so very much to the fine folks of Jefferson County who came together to give a message to the county board and to our very loved gay and lesbian friends, family, and loved ones of OUR community. I have to say thank you for everyone who made this even TRULY peaceful. YOU were a fine display of what this county is made up of. I have to commend you all for your courage to come out and battle the heat. I also want to thank all of the people passing by who showed support. "
Plans are underway for yet another demonstration by local residents who will continue to give voice to equality in the region. For more information on becoming involved contact BellevillePride~ MetroEast News for ongoing details and updates.
