(Feb. 9, 2010, updated w/ candidate's official statement) -- LBReport.com publishes below an exchange of correspondence between the Presidents of a number of LB area Democratic Clubs (via an open letter) and 9th dist. City Council candidate Steven Neal regarding a portion of an interview with Mr. Neal published by the Long Beach Business Journal [Feb. 2-15 edition] which quoted him as saying:
[LBBJ interview text] LBBJ: Councilman Garcia pushed and got an Equal Benefits Ordinance. Do you support gay rights? You're an assistant pastor. What about Prop 8?
Neal: With Prop 8, I believe that marriage is an institution instituted by God. And that being said, I don't think that man has the ability or the right to change that. Now, to go back to the ordinance that Councilman Garcia moved, if that is a lifestyle that people choose and they have made a life for themselves in that manner and they are living together, cohabiting, I do believe that they should have benefits. But when it comes rto marriage, I have to go with the stance that I believe is supported by scripture.
Below is the open letter text (email transmitted Feb. 8) sent to Mr. Neal (with cc's to LB media outlets) by the LB area Democratic Clubs:
Dear Mr. Neal,
In your recent interview with the Long Beach Business Journal you were asked about your positions regarding the Equal Benefits Ordinance for the City of Long Beach as well as your views on Proposition 8. You are quoted as saying that marriage is "instituted by God" and you "don’t think man has the ability or the right to change that." You also refer to the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) Community as "a lifestyle that people choose." We respectfully ask you to clarify or recant these anti-LGBT comments.
We as leaders in the Democratic Party representing the City of Long Beach are deeply disturbed by these comments. As a party we stand for equality on all levels regardless of gender, race or sexual orientation. Long Beach is home to one of the largest LGBT populations, and as a potential Councilmember, you would be representing them in every vote you cast. We hope that we can work together in the future on these issues and ask that you will stand with us to fight the inequality and injustice that our LGBT brothers and sisters face every single day.
Democratically Yours,
s/ Stephanie Loftin, President
Taylor Honrath, President
Bianca Villanueva, President
Hon. Betty Karnette, President
Long Beach Lambda Democratic Club
Long Beach Democratic Club
Long Beach Young Democrats Club
On Feb. 9, Mr. Neal sent an emailed reply (with corresponding cc's), followed by an official statement for media outlets. We publish both below:
Dear Long Beach Democratic Club Presidents:
It has come to my attention that my recent comments have deeply disturbed members of the LGBT community. As a longstanding member of the Democratic Party, I will continue to advocate for the rights of all segments of the community, regardless of gender, race or sexual orientation.
I have reached out to the Democratic Clubs in an attempt to clear up any misunderstanding that may exist based on the article in the Long Beach Business Journal.
Respectfully,
Steven Neal, Candidate
Long Beach City Council
[official statement]
Response to Open Letter
In recent days it has become clear that my comments in the Long Beach Business Journal have
caused concern within the LGBT community. To be clear, that was not my intention.
As an active member of the Democratic Party and tireless advocate for progressive causes, I
have spent my career serving all segments of our community -- regardless of race, gender, or sexual
orientation.
I have reached out to Councilmembers Garcia and Schipske, as well as the Long Beach Lambda
Democratic Club to have a meaningful dialogue on this important matter.
Should I have the honor of serving the residents of the 9th District on the Long Beach City
Council, I look forward to working with the LGBT community to meet the needs of all Long Beach
residents.
Respectfully,
Steven Neal, Candidate
Long Beach City Council
