TROY, Mich. — The blog “Keep Troy Strong” has unearthed a June 25 Facebook comment by Troy’s new mayor, Janice Daniels, in which she wrote, “I think I am going to throw away my ‘I Love New York’ carrying bag now that queers can get married there.”
In an interview with MLive.com, Daniels acknowledged that she was responsible for the entry.
“I may have said something like that,” she said. “I probably shouldn’t have used that kind of language, but I do believe marriage should be between one man and one woman.”
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Daniels added that while she’s opposed to gay marriage, and has moral issues with homosexuality, she doesn’t hate gay people.
“I love all people. I am human. That was probably a poor choice of words.”
Linda Kajma, 60, a 37-year Troy resident who said she voted for Daniels’ opponent in the Nov. 8 election, said she was upset by the comment, reported the Detroit Free Press.
“She passed herself off as a Christian and a person of integrity during the campaign, and now the real Janice is showing her colors,” Kajma said.
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The Facebook entry was posted prior to Daniels entering the race for mayor; she won the election and her term commenced last month.
Equality Michigan noted that while the mayor is entitled to her opinion on same-sex marriage, allowing that also Daniels’ message on Facebook was posted prior to her election as Troy mayor, Daniels’ use of the word queer was inappropriate.
“When we start attacking each other with slurs, and degrading others as human beings, it crosses it line,” said Denise Brogan-Kator, Executive Director of Equality Michigan.
“She is entitled to her own free speech. Her use of the word queer in the context she used it is extremely offensive. I’m outraged that someone in a position of public authority would have those views, and would express them. I think it’s important that it doesn’t go unnoticed,” Brogan-Kator said.
