New Human Rights Commission Member Sparks Controversy

One of the newest members of the Sioux City Human Rights Commission, is also a member of Cornerstone World Outreach.

But could Nancy Furness' religious beliefs affect her decisions as a commission member? Some community members and council members believe it could.

Mayor Mike Hobart, says, "The community needs to have confidence in the process and that's what we're talking about here. Confidence in the process, confidence in the decisions made by the Human Rights Commission and that's what's at jeopardy, here."

But some community members say they're more concerned with public comments Furness has made about her idea of a lawful marriage. And why she thinks it should exist solely between man and woman.

Michelle Cory from Sioux City, says, "I am a gay mother of two children and I would like someone to stand up for my rights and she has made that publicly clear that, that's not where she's coming from."

Council Member, Aaron Rochester, says, "I don't think that makes anybody anti–gay or wanting to discriminate against gay people, in fact, I know very many people, even myself, that believe marriage should be between a man and a woman and I don't want any harm to come to any person whether they're gay or not."

Furness says it's her experience with an openly gay nephew that's proof she's fit to serve a diverse community.

Furness says, "We can agree to disagree–he doesn't agree with my christian walk – he doesn't! But he loves me for who I am, because I respect him and he respects me...and I think that's the key."

The key she hopes will erase public doubt in her term on the Human Rights Commission.

As far as her affiliation with Cornerstone, Furness says she's proud to be part of a church that encourages her to reach out to those who feel discriminated against.

She adds, serving on the human rights commission is something she's always wanted to do.

James Anderson was also appointed at Monday night's council meeting.


(2010-10-26/kcautv)