Holly Springs town council gets earful from citizens on both sides of non discrimination ordinance

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. (WTVD) -- Holly Springs Town Council got an earful from residents Tuesday night.

The topic for public comment was the non-discrimination ordinance that's become the talk of the town.

It was not on the agenda Tuesday but last week, the council decided not to sign on to the Wake County non-discrimination ordinance.

Advocates were also frustrated the town did not pass a proclamation for "Pride Month."

"This is absurd," said Donna Friend, a Holly Springs resident. "People who preach love and acceptance have no tolerance for people like myself."

Donna spoke at the town council and has been vocal ever since the issue came to light.

"I think they let their true colors show," she said. "Sadly they've danced around the idea that this is not about homophobia and sadly we learned tonight that it really is. I've heard more Bible quotes than I have heard in church in the last six months."

Mayor Sean Mayesfkie said he wanted to stick by the comments that he made initially -- that he thought the diverse people and businesses said it all.

He did extend public comment Tuesday night so more people could have time to vent.

"I've read the NDO, it has serious problems not to be ignored for the sake of feeling good," said Darlene Agle. "It is not transparent about future costs."

Brian Norman, a pastor at Bethel Baptist Church, said he believes the ordinance is discriminatory to people like him.

"I don't have any problem with someone who has a different lifestyle than me," he said. "I don't have any problem with someone who identifies differently than I do but I still can get along with them. What happens with an NDO is that it creates divisiveness."

Many brought signs and pride flags to the meeting.

Others just brought themselves, like Andrea Biondi.

"This town has grown more and more diverse over the last 10 years which is fantastic," said Biondi, who didn't speak at the meeting. "After hearing what I heard in there, I'm embarrassed to live in this town."