Censure for Antigay Commissioner?

Members of the Mecklenburg County Commission in North Carolina will consider whether to censure their colleague Bill James at a Tuesday night meeting in response to his recent statement that gay people are "sexual predators."

According to Fox Charlotte, "At Tuesday night's County Commission meeting, commissioners are expected to address his comments, by proposing a resolution against bias.

"Commissioner Harold Cogdell Jr. is quick to point out it's not about censuring James. 'He has the right to his own philosophy and opinion about things in life. I don't think it's in line with the majority of this Board. What we want to do is make sure public officials speak out in one unified voice regarding community values,' said Cogdell."

Last month, in response to an e-mail from a commissioner asking her colleagues to thank state officials who supported "don't ask, don't tell" repeal, James called gay people "sexual predators." He backed up his comments on his website, BillJames.org, and he also demonstrates a history of other antigay remarks.

The website Change.org called for a censure of James and drew more than 3200 signatures. Speakers at Tuesday night's meeting are expected to include MeckPac, the area's gay rights group.