1984-12-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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448 MINUTES PUBLIC PUBLIC HEARING: SOUTH AFRICAN INVESTMENT DIVESTITURE On motion by Mrs. Gleason, seconded by Dr. Gunter, the minutes of November 3rd were unanimously approved as presented. On motion by Dr. Hall, seconded by Mrs. Glee-son, the minutes of November 12th were unanimously approved as presented. On motion hy Dr. Gunter, seconded by Dr. Hall, the minutes of November 14th were unanimously approved-as presented. On motion by Mr. Barnes, seconded by Mrs. Gleason, the minutes of November I9th were unanimously approved as presented. Mr. George St. John, an Albemarle County resident, urged COuncil to reconsider their decision to relocate the nativity s-ene to privaie property because of his interpretation of the Supreme Court decision. Mr. Paul Saunier, a City resident, agreed with Council's decision, stating that custom was not an adequate reason to ke.ep it on Public property. Mrs. Aloise Lawless requested that Council reconsider their decision and stated she felt the majority should decide. Rev. Wayne Arnison, pastor of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church, commended Council for their decision as an expression of neutrality in a pluralistic community. Mr. Henderson Beavers Stated that he felt the decision~re~ressed religious freedom. Ms. Rita Loyacano asked Council to reconsider their decision because she felt the significance of the crechne was in th eye of the beholder. Mr. Lea Schultz asked Council to reconsider their decision as he felt everyone should be allowed to express their feelings. Mr. Darden Towe gave Council a copy of a letter from the Washington Legal Forum which opposed Council% decision. Mr. To-we also stated that $200 had been raised to improve the nativity scene. Mr. Charles Barbour questioned the manner in which the decision had been made. Mrs. Gleason read a statement indicating her desire to preserve the religious nature of the creche and to maintain the separation of church and state. Dr. Hall made a motion to allow the nativity scene to be moved back to Lee Park. Mr. Barnes seconded the motion. Mr. Buck stressed that he wanted to preserve the holy nature of the creche and that no one was prohibiting the display of it on private property. Mr. Buck acknowledged that the way in which the decision had been made was a mistake. Mr. Buck repeated his desire to protect the rights of the minority and to maintain the separation of church and s'tate. The motion to move the crechne back to Lee Park was defeated by the following vote. Ayes: Mr. Barnes, Dr. Hall. Noes: Mr. Buck, Mrs. Gleason, Dr. Gunter. Mr. Jody DeRitter of the Citizens Party commended Council for their courage in consi'dering the issue and spoke in favor of total divestment,.criticizing the use of the Sullivan principles.