VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Beach's mayor says a member of the city's Human Rights Commission should step down from his position for describing homosexuality as an "abomination to the Human Race" and a "mental illness."
Kenick El admits he posted the descriptions on his Facebook page.
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LGBTQ groups say this is not OK because they think a member of the Human Rights Commission should respect other people's lifestyles.
Hampton Roads Pride held a news conference in front of City Hall, which featured several speakers, including Mayor Bobby Dyer.
Dyer read a statement that was attributed to himself and eight city council members, saying in part, "We believe the public comments of Brother LaKendrick Coburn El are contrary to these basic goals that are the core of the Human Rights Commission and it is no longer appropriate for him to serve in this capacity."
Sabrina Wooten and Louis Jones were the two councilmembers that did not sign the letter.
13News Now asked Councilmember Wooten why she didn't sign the letter. She responded with the following statement:
It was my understanding that there would be a scheduled meeting on Tuesday, October 29 to discuss this very unfortunate circumstance and bring a permanent resolution to this matter. Hence, I felt it would be premature (with 3 business days prior to the City Council meeting amid fueling additional social media chatter) to sign a statement without addressing all of the necessary parties to include the Human Rights Commission, Mr. Kenick El and my colleagues on City Council. In the same manner, I did not want to let my initial reaction dictate my response rendering a knee jerk reaction. History has demonstrated to us that this is not always the best way to respond. Accordingly, I look forward to conferring with my colleagues on City Council on Tuesday, October 29 to provide an official response to Mr. Kenick El as this is a confidential personnel matter that requires a consensus of the body.
Thank you for your kind consideration. I appreciate your patience in this matter.
Dyer also called on the Human Rights Commission to hold a special meeting on October 31 to discuss El's future on the commission.
El previously told 13News Now he doesn't believe his posts are a big deal, and he doesn't plan on leaving the commission.
"I think this is blown out of proportion, I don't intend on quitting or resigning. I definitely understand people's different perspectives and their right to express their views and communicate how they feel," he said.
While 13News Now streamed the press conference live on Facebook, El commented and said, "My human rights are being violated though. I'm looking forward to this meeting."
El released the following statement after the press conference:
Peace & Love,
Sometimes it's better to listen and learn the perspectives of others. Those two things make us better servant leaders. The concerns and feelings expressed by so many I am committed to serve do weigh very heavy on me tonight.
I hear our communities and I remain committed to serve and to human rights, as I always have been. I look forward to talking about this commitment tomorrow and appreciate everyone's feedback. Please know I am listening, and hope it will make for a better dialogue moving forward.