Washington, DC – Today LGBTQ Victory Institute expressed disappointment over North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper’s decision to rescind the appointment of openly LGBTQ Charlotte City Councilwoman LaWana Mayfield to the state’s Human Relations Commission. Yesterday the North Carolina Senate Republicans sent a letter to the governor demanding he withdraw the appointment because of her past comments on policing. Councilwoman Mayfield is one of just seven openly LGBTQ elected officials of color in the entire state.
LGBTQ Victory Institute released the following statement about Governor Cooper’s decision:
“We are extremely disappointed Governor Cooper took the important step of appointing a Black LGBTQ woman to the Human Relations Commission and then rescinded it due to pressure from the architects of HB2. For the state Senate Republicans to demand Councilwoman Mayfield be removed because of several controversial comments is the height of hypocrisy given the traumatic damage their policies – not words – have had on LGBTQ people and people of color in the state. Councilwoman Mayfield is a tireless fighter for the underserved communities the commission is meant to protect and her perspective and lived experience would be invaluable. With the unfortunate rescindment of her appointment, it is now essential Governor Cooper appoint someone who can provide the same insights into the lives of LGBTQ women of color.”
About LGBTQ Victory Institute
LGBTQ Victory Institute works to increase the number of LGBTQ people in public office and to provide programming, service, and other support to ensure their success.
