Former Senate Candidate Jim Neal and Two Others Arrested for Gay Rights Protest at NC Legislature
Following a "Rally for Equality" of about 200 people outside the North Carolina legislature this afternoon, three protesters were arrested after bursting into the House chamber and chanting while it was in session, the News Observer reports:
Arrested on charges of disorderly conduct were James Weatherly Neal, Angel Chandler and Mary Beth Counce. Neal, a Chapel Hill businessman, ran for senate as an openly gay candidate in 2008.
General Assembly Police Chief Jeff Weaver said they were being booked into the Wake County jail in dowtown Raleigh late this afternoon. Further information about their ages and where they live was not immediately available.
Witnesses said three to five people were involved, some shouting “Liberty and justice for all!” House Speaker Thom Tillis repeatedly banged his gavel, but kept the session running after the momentary disruption.
The protesters were with the activist group GetEQUAL.
The North Carolina General Assembly is considering two bills that would amend the state's Constitution to ban same-sex marriage and prevent businesses and municipalities from offering domestic partnerships, while nullifying benefits that already exist.
Ian Palmquist of Equality NC, a gay-rights group, issued a statement to the paper: "While we share the protesters' passion for equal rights, we cannot condone today's disruption of the House session."
Watch video of the rally and protest, AFTER THE JUMP...
Pam Spaulding shot this video:
Equality NC wants to play fair? Gays need to start fighting back. More people need to get arrested and disrupt things. Playing fair didn't work for Minnesota or Rhode Island.
Posted by: Kenton | Jun 2, 2011 8:20:44 PM
I commend these brave people who dared to disrupt the republicans dirty dealings. This bill goes way beyond simply banning gay marriage. It bans any sort of recognition of same sex unions for the whole state, including private businesses.
Posted by: blatherer | Jun 2, 2011 8:55:58 PM
I'm sorry Equality NC, but these people put their bodies in the face of those who want to legislate them outta existence. Can't ignore that like you can a bunch of signatures. We need more of this behavior, and no apologies for it.
Posted by: kodiak | Jun 2, 2011 8:57:47 PM
Ian Palmquist is just a Gay Inc. mediocrity singing "Billy, Don't Be A Hero" to those who actually do something to get the job done.
James, Angel, and Mary Beth are heroes.
Posted by: Attmay | Jun 3, 2011 1:07:29 AM
Even Democrats get it on occasion. Good for Neal.
Posted by: Bill Perdue | Jun 3, 2011 2:28:51 AM
Have to agree. The time to play nice is over. Time to start making people's lives miserable.
Posted by: John K. | Jun 3, 2011 2:30:17 AM
The REAL VOTE is in. WE MUST STAND UP FOR WHO WE ARE, whether that means arrest ir worse, to stop the hate/violence mongering bigots; be they the "deep south" who thought nothing of murdering people of "color" or all the despicable "politicians" who will do anything to stop the QUEERS/FAGS/GAYS/Cs's.
EQUALITY NOW, NOW NOW...
Posted by: John D'Ambra | Jun 3, 2011 3:58:37 PM