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Republican Ex-Mayor of Conservative Town Comes Out and Opposes Proposition 8

Timothy Kincaid

October 23rd, 2008

Folsom, CA is probably best known for Folsom Prison, made famous by a Johnny Cash recorded concert. But Folsom is also a upper-middle class suburb of Sacramento, one that is strongly Republican.

Naturally, local elected officials tended also to be Republican family men, like Glenn Fait. (Sacramento Bee)

Fait was married for 40 years and raised two daughters. He was on the Folsom City Council from 1994 to 1998, serving as mayor from 1995-1996. He was also president of the Folsom Historical Society.

But five years ago, Fait came out to his family. And now he has taken the step of coming out to his neighbors – in a quarter page ad in the local newspaper.

In the ad, he appealed to his neighbors, business associates, and friends to oppose Proposition 8. Although Fait has no intention of marrying, he believed so strongly that no one else should be able to make that decision for him that he was compelled to take the step.

“I hope that some of the people who know me might take that into consideration when they vote,” said Fait. “People often have stereotypes of gay people. It helps sometimes when they realize that someone they have a business or community relationship with is gay.”

I admire Fait’s decision. He has put a face on the issue for some who would only think of gay people as “them”. Now when they vote, they are voting on Glenn’s rights and perhaps his public appeal will make some difference in Folsom.

Comments

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Richard W. Fitch
October 23rd, 2008 | LINK

Can we ever hope that some day the response to “coming out” will be “So?” ?

Ben in Oakland
October 23rd, 2008 | LINK

Good for him. I wish more owuld do it. It is our only real weapon.

kevin
October 23rd, 2008 | LINK

It should be noted that Folsom, CA is where the California chapter of the Alliance Defense Fund is located. The ADF is the legal wing of the Yes on 8 campaign and worked hard to defeat gay marriage in front of the CA supreme court. They are also behind a host of other unAmerican activities, like attempting to break down the barrier between church and state.

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