A statement by Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer:
With the recently signed executive order, many in our community are worried and scared about what their future holds. Please know that Asheville remains an open and welcoming community where we recognize that our nation’s strength was born out of our diversity. Our diversity is to be respected and celebrated, not vilified and criminalized.
In 2013, the Asheville City Council adopted a “Resolution Endorsing the Protection of Civil Liberties for all Citizens.” In this resolution, the Council affirms its pledge to “uphold the constitutional rights and civil liberties of any and all persons…and to protect against discrimination on the basis of race, skin color, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, immigration status, religious or political opinion or activity, or homed or homeless status.”
As Mayor of Asheville, I will continue to stand up for the civil liberties and human rights of all people in our community.
Read a copy of the resolution here:
Resolution Endorsing the Protection of Civil Liberties for all Citizens