Local politico Michael Muller lambasts Mayor Terry Bellamy for refusing to proclaim Oct. 1 "Blue Ridge Pride Day" in a new post on the Scrutiny Hooligans blog. Here's an excerpt:

I’ve learned that Mayor Terry Bellamy has refused, for the third year in a row, to proclaim October 1 “Blue Ridge Pride Day.” You can find the full text of the proclamation after the jump.

Proclamations, as you probably know, are ceremonial statements that recognize special occasions or outstanding contributions by citizens in our community. They aren’t political things. They cost no money. But Mayor Bellamy doesn’t really like The Gays all that much — fire and brimstone and all that. But, once again, her outdated prejudices get in the way of her being an effective representative for all the people of Asheville.

It’s especially embarrassing for our fair city, a place many proudly see as a shining light of diversity, inclusion, and creativity. Not only will we our hold our annual Pride Celebration on that day, but hundreds of LGBTQ leaders from all over the nation will be in town next year for the Intepride Region 5 Conference.