FL Councilman "unsure" about Muslims holding public office, "would prefer" that Gays do not

[Amerigo Vespucci]

Fla. councilman unsure if Muslims, gays should hold public office

By Andrew McLemore
Wednesday, April 21st, 2010 -- 7:14 pm

http://rawstory.com/rs/2010/0421/fla-councilman-unsure-muslims-gays-hold-public-office/



The Human Rights Commission of Jacksonville, Fla. has a mission of ensuring “all residents enjoy a community free of discriminatory practices."

But as the city council reviewed the mayor’s nominees for the commission, one of its members has been accused of discriminating against them, Think Progress reported.

Councilman Clay Yarborough was the sole 'no' in a 4-1 vote that recommended University of North Florida professor and Fulbright scholar Parvez Ahmed, a Muslim, for the commission. Yarborough said in an interview with the Florida Times-Union that he would be uncomfortable with Muslims holding public office.

Do you believe Muslims should be able to hold a public office in Florida?
“I would have to think about that. I would have to think about that. What kind of office? An elected office? Would you consider the human rights commission to be a public office?”

Just in general, do you believe Muslims should be able to hold any public office in Florida?
“I don’t know.”

In the same interview, Yarborough expressed discomfort with gays holding office as well.

Do you think homosexuals should be able to hold a public office in Florida?
“I would prefer they did not.”