In a jaw dropping moment of painful irony, at another point in the same video that features Turner, an older woman named Joann Turner says, “As a mother and a grandmother and having young children and even innocent ladies going into the bathroom, this would open us up to being abused in any way.”
Earlier this year, the Eureka Springs Board of Alderman passed LGBT inclusive non–discrimination protections for its residents. In order to avoid a contentious battle with opponents of equality, the elected officials placed the issue on the ballot next month. The campaign is using people like Turner, who claims to be a Baptist pastor, to stir up opposition. But Turner’s words and actions fall far short of the Golden Rule.
“If this wasn’t so disturbing, it would make for a great soap opera. Acra Lee Turner is the last person who should be given a platform to preach against anyone,” said HRC communications vice president Fred Sainz. “This video is a good example of how opponents of equality are increasingly scraping the bottom of barrel when it comes to supporters.”
Turner’s video comments come as more than 225 cities and counties have enacted inclusive laws prohibiting discrimination. In addition, countless businesses across the United States, including a super-majority of Fortune 500 companies, have voluntarily adopted comprehensive policies that prohibit discrimination. Equality supporters in Eureka Springs are simply attempting to create a safe, inclusive environment for all people to call home.
