The mayor has taken her stance.
On Friday, Mayor Madeline Rogero declared her open support of same-sex marriage, joining a national organization of 500 mayors from 45 states, “Mayors for the Freedom to Marry.”
In a media release issued that day, Rogero firmly backed her controversial stance.
“As mayor, I have always said that Knoxville is a city that embraces diversity, and respects and values all of its citizens,” she wrote in the press release. “The right to public and legal recognition of a committed, loving relationship is fundamental to individual dignity and happiness.”
The mayor’s announcement comes in the wake of a similar declaration from Nashville Mayor Karl Dean on Monday.
Elizabeth Stanfield, junior in geography and anthropology, welcomed the mayor’s statement as a necessary act.
“It’s a big step in recognizing that LGBT people are people and deserve the same rights as everybody else,” Stanfield said. “LGBT deserve to be able to openly love and marry, just like straight people.”
To some, like Brandon Chrisman, senior political science major and former president of UT’s chapter of College Republicans, the mayor’s announcement seemed largely unnecessary.
“What Tennesseans want is what the government should reflect,” Chrisman said. “When the people speak, it’s a mandate.”
Chrisman noted that all of Tennessee’s 95 counties voted in 2006 to ban gay marriage. The will of the people, Chrisman said, should be the “guiding light” in government. The decision, he believes, should lie with Tennesseans.
While gay marriage is just one of many issues facing the LGBT community, Stanfield expressed her appreciation for the mayor’s open support.
“When important people put themselves out there like that, it empowers others to do the same,” Stanfield said.
Donna Braquet, director of OUTreach: LGBT & Ally Resource Center said she views the mayor’s statement as a sign of progress.
“Cities around the country are recognizing that’s the trend,” Braquet said of the marriage equality movement. “If (cities) want to attract the best and the brightest citizens and companies, they’re going to have to embrace all kinds of diversity.”
For Braquet, the topic holds personal significance. Braquet was married to her wife in San Francisco last summer, but was denied marital status upon returning to Tennessee. Ultimately, though, Braquet feels optimistic about the future.
“The fact that [marriage equality] will probably happen in the next few years is really exciting,” Braquet said.
