Citizens call on Holly Springs to officially recognize Pride Month, pass non-discrimination ordinance

Some were angry with the response given by town officials.

They want a non-discrimination ordinance - and Wake County has one on the books, as do 6 of the 12 towns in the county.

Residents want to know why Holly Springs is not on that list.

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One resident says the ordinance and adoption of Pride Month would make members of the LGBTQIA+ community feel more welcome and protected in Holly Springs.

Mayor Sean Mayefskie says the town and its businesses are already inclusive and diverse, without an ordinance or a proclamation. Residents respond, if he truly believes that, why not put it on paper?

Aaron Wolff, a town councilor, says the Holly Springs town council chamber was full during the meeting – and the level of emotion was "definitely a first."

"It is amazing I have to say this to you -- it is the right thing to do," said Nancy Nice, a local business owner, in the meeting.

"Holly Springs has decided that some of its most vulnerable citizens are just not worth the effort," said Carrie Randa, a speaker.

Under the ordinance, if a person feels discriminated against by a business or organization, they can mediate the issue out of court. That would include all kinds of discrimination related to race, religious belief and others -- but most of the debate is over protecting the LGBTQIA+ community.

"It tells them they have a place here. That they are valuable, that they are worthy of life," said Debra Kefner. "So that the youth do not have to take the path that I took through depression and mental health challenges.”

One man who stepped the podium did not think anther ordinance was necessary.

"I am aware of no ordinances or town proclamations that disparage any groups,” said Steve Schneider.

When asked where he stands on the ordinance, Mayor Mayefskie said, "I don’t have a vote, but I think the council is going to get together and have serious discussions on it.”

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The ordinance is on the agenda next week.

However, some are also angry the mayor declined to proclaim June as Pride Month in his town.

“I think our actions as a town speak louder than the words," said Mayefskie.

Councilor Wolff, who supports the ordinance, says he does not have much hope the ordinance will pass in Holly Springs. He says the mayor sets the tone -- and the tone right now does not give him high hopes. 

When asked if the ordinance being moved to next week's meeting gave him hope, he said, "No. No. Frankly, if I was trying to be diplomatic about it, I would say yes -- no, I do not."

Wolff agrees that Holly Springs has been attracting many inclusive businesses – and he thinks those businesses will be paying close attention to what the town does next.

“If the conversation makes our town look bad, the problem is not the conversation, it is what is being said," he said.