Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones - Unfit to Be DPVA Chair

Yesterday I noted that the LGBT Democrats of Virginia have said a resounding "No" to Richmond mayor Dwight Jones becoming Chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia.  Now, Jones is talking out of both sides of his mouth as he says he believes in equality for all under the law but still believes that LGBT Virginians should remain second class citizens when it comes to recognition of our life relationships.  That type of double speak is more what one would expect from the foul Christofascists at The Family Foundation rather than the possible chair of the Democrat Party in this state.  The whole situation also raises the question of why Terry McAuliffe (or his staff) did not better research Jones' position on LGBT issues.  Sadly, Jones is seemingly one of the many black pastors in Virginia who carries water for the Christofascists on the issue of same sex marriage.   NBC-12 TV looks at Jones' efforts to use mealy mouthed dissembling to defuse the issue.  Here are highlights:

Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones attempted to clarify his stance on same-sex marriage this weekend after news leaked that he was poised to become the next Chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia.

Jones's camp confirmed on Friday that Governor Terry McAuliffe had asked the Mayor to take over the post as the Party's spokesman after current Chair Charnelie Herring (who is running for Congress) steps down later this month. Jones has the support of all of the statewide elected leaders, but still needs to earn the approval of the party's membership.

However Jones's appointment, which seem to seep out earlier than the party was prepared for, is being met with a degree of backlash from a vocal and increasingly important wing of the Democratic Party. Jones continues to maintain a personal opposition to same-sex marriage, a position that has drawn the ire of supporters of the LGBT community.

Del. Patrick Hope, a Northern Virginia liberal and one of many democrats seeking the party's nomination in the race to replace Rep. Jim Moran, forcefully denounced Jones's candidacy and said he could not support him if he did not switch his position.

“The chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia needs to reflect our values as a party,” Hope said in a statement. “This has been a historic year for marriage equality, and we cannot have a chair of the party that does not support this civil right.”

The issue is a delicate one for Jones. He continues to serve as pastor at his South Richmond church, regularly preaching on Sundays. While Jones toes the line on most progressive issues, same sex marriage is one where he remains on the side of his church. However in a statement provided to NBC12, Jones's political director stressed that he remains committed to equality across the board.

"Mayor Jones believes that all Virginians, no matter race, gender, or sexual orientation, deserve complete and equal protection under the law," wrote Don Mark.

Today all five of Virginia's state wide leaders support same sex marriage. The state's constitutional ban on the practice was recently ruled to be in violation of the federal constitution. (It currently remains in place pending appeal.

State democrats have roundly supported the efforts to throw the amendment out. Jones has yet to take a public position.

There is still time for this issue to be hashed out, but not much. The party will gather in less than two weeks and a new chairperson will need to be named.

With important elections in November - not to mention local elections - the DPVA would be insane to alienate the LGBT vote, yet that seems to be what is happening.  If Jones wants to be DPVA chair, he needs to put the U.S. Constitution first and bigotry based on ignorance embracing belief in the Bible second.  If he cannot do that, then he needs to withdraw from seeking the chairmanship.  It's that simple.