So, while all these normal people I know are freaking out over what news outlets are framing as mandatory pick-your gender public restrooms; the City of Asheville released the following statement at 6:01 this evening, exactly one minute after Pete Kaliner, WWNC 570 AM’s local un-progressive talk show host went off the air:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Feb. 25, 2016
City of Asheville | Communication & Public Engagement Division
Contact: Polly McDaniel, Communications Specialist | 828-232-4507 | [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE: Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer issues statement
Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer issued this statement today, following numerous media inquiries after Charlotte City Council on Monday approved new legal protections for gay, lesbian and transgender residents:
“The City of Asheville values diversity and equality. At the last Council meeting, Asheville City Council adopted a vision that reinforces these core values. Asheville City Council has taken bold steps to pass non-discrimination employment policies and extended benefits to domestic partners. Asheville is an open and welcoming community, which provides a safe environment for our diverse citizenry.”
If groping is the new security, then surely voyeurism is the new safe.