He apologized profusely, but that is not enough for the Maricopa County Democratic Party and LGBT leaders who want Phoenix Councilman Michael Nowakowski’s head on a platter so to speak. For his sin of wanting prayer at City Council meetings, the groups want Nowakowski to resign immediately.
On Wednesday Nowakowski a devout Catholic, apologized for his “comments, regardless of the context,” that might have offended anyone.
He offered a clarification of his comments made last month, while speaking to Christian pastors. At the time, the Councilman addressed the controversial Satanic prayer issue days before the Council was scheduled to vote on the matter. He said to the pastors, “I never thought I would see the day that men and men would be married, or where people were allowed to go into the same bathroom as my daughter. This world is changing, and it’s time for us to take the leadership and change it back to the way it should be.”
Councilman Michael Nowakowski’s Statement on Recorded Comments to Religious Leaders
Posted by Michael Nowakowski on Wednesday, March 9, 2016
“As a practicing Catholic, it is often hard to personally reconcile such issues on a religious perspective,” stated Nowakowski. “That said, I know that I represent a diverse district that includes members of the LGBTQ community. My record shows that I have voted to protect our diverse community, giving an equal voice in government to all. My future voting record will continue to protect the rights of the LGBTQ community, regardless of any church teachings or proclamations.”
“No government official should force or impose any religious doctrine on others in the public square,” continued Nowakowski. “I believe in respect for personal civil liberties and protecting all people from discrimination in public and the workplace. That hasn’t changed.”
“My reference in the video to “returning to the way it should be” was in regards to prayer at City Council meetings, not to roll back LGBTQ rights. I understand why my statement in the video was misconstrued, and I apologize,” said Nowakowski.
“I know that this statement doesn’t undo my comments to religious leaders. I simply hope that the residents in my district watch and remember my voting record.” Nowakowski concluded, “I will continue to vote for equal treatment for all within our City, and I will continue to treat all people with the respect they deserve.”
According to the Arizona Republic, “Brendan Mahoney, an attorney and gay-rights leader, said he found Nowakowski’s explanation unconvincing…..” Mahoney was angry that Nowakowski hid his personal religious struggles while asking for “our endorsements, our money and our votes.”