Queer Youth for Equality Plan Protest in DeKalb

DeKalb County, Ga -- A group called Queer Youth for Equality is planning a non-violent protest at Doraville City Hall on Monday at 5:30 pm.

The group is putting pressure on the Doraville City Council to recognize June 26 as LGBTQ Day in the city.

"We have been [at city council meetings] multiple times and the city will not support a simple resolution of recognition of June 26," according to a statement from the organization. "We think it is because the city hired Tennessee attorney Scott Bergthold and local lawyer Cecil McLendon, both lawyers are know to be anti-gay. Mr. Bergthold is known for writing laws that actually criminalize homosexuality.

"We are worried our Doraville City Council will try to do the same thing. The Mayor and some city council people do not seem to welcome lesbian and genderqueer people asking for recognition of our rights."

The protest was planned before this weekend's shooting in Orlando, FL, where an estimated 50 people were killed and dozens more injured in what is believed to be the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.

"My peers and I are outraged and deeply saddened by the massacre in Orlando," said Haseena Peera, one of the rally's organizers. "It could have been any of us and we cannot think of a more appropriate time to urge our local cities to recognize the continued threat of death and discrimination still being shoved down our throats on a daily basis. Our laws have allowed us to feel freedom but our communities refrain from making us feel safe. We stand with the victims, friends and families directly affected by this tragedy. We will make sure these innocent lives will not be forgotten. This event will bring our communities together. This event will make our communities stronger. This event is part of a much larger fight."

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The group would also like Doraville to adopt LGBT-inclusive non-discrimination policies similar to what Sandy Springs adopted last week. Georgia's 7th largest city revised its policy to include "sexual preference" in a list of protected categories.

Protestors at Monday's rally are encourage to bring home-made posters that say "Stop the Hate," "Support Doraville's LGBTQ neighbors," "Fire the anti-gay city lawyers in Doraville" and "Support June 26 as LGBTQ Day in Doraville."

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