Valdosta Mayor John Gayle refused to sign a proclamation naming Sept. 15 as South Georgia Pride Day because he doesn't believe in gay marriage or the LGBT "lifestyle," according to a local activist and Pride organizer.
"He said he had strong personal convictions and beliefs and doesn't approve of my lifestyle or gay marriage," said Raynae Williams, a lesbian and assistant executive director of South Georgia Pride. Williams met with the mayor today and said the meeting lasted no more than five minutes.
Gayle did not return a call from GA Voice seeking comment but told a local TV station he could not sign the proclamation due to religious beliefs.
Valdosta is located approximately 230 milies south of Atlanta.