The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus was welcomed with open arms at George in the Southern Cape. This despite comments from the town’s mayor, Melvin Naik, during a recent radio interview, that he did not approve the choir’s performance because of his Christian beliefs.
The DA in the Western Cape has condemned Naik’s utterances, saying they do not represent the views of the party.
Spreading a message of tolerance, all the way from the United States, the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus performed during the first ever Gay Pride Parade in George.
Naik spoke about his Christian beliefs on radio, stating that he did not approve of the choir because they were gay.
“The executive mayor has the right to his own beliefs. I feel as the municipality we don’t discriminate. We therefore welcome the Boston gay choir to George and hope their stay in George will be a positive experience,” said George Deputy Mayor Charlotte Clarke.
A comment from the George Mayor did not taint their experience in the town.
“The people of George, everyone except the mayor has been so welcoming and so positive. It’s gorgeous here and the people are wonderful. One bad apple you learn to ignore that. He will learn too in time that justice and freedom for everyone is the way to go,” said Reuben Reynolds, Music Director of Boston Gay Men’s Chorus.
“To see the people of all shapes and sizes and communities come together to support one another in unity. It’s just been overwhelming and wonderful and the people here are so special. It brings a tear to my eye and warmth to my heart,” said Courtney Furno, member of Boston Gay Men’s Chorus.
“Trying to change hearts and minds is not without courting some degree of controversy and coming here it has been a groundswell of support and love and absolute compassion and it was a wonderful time, said Thomas Collins,” a member of Boston Gay Men’s Chorus.
The Parade is being seen as a major step forward for acceptance and support of the local gay community.
