The executive director of the Madison Rivergate Area Chamber of Commerce revealed, in no uncertain terms, her feelings toward the LGBT community earlier this week upon learning that her "FAVORITE show" was canceled.
When ABC canceled the Tim Allen sitcom, Last Man Standing, Debbie Massey took to Facebook Thursday, sharing a Breitbart News article entitled “ABC Cancels Conservative Tim Allen Sitcom ‘Last Man Standing’ Despite Strong Ratings." Commenting on the article, Massey wrote:
I can't believe that I am supposed to be ok with shows like Grays Anatomy or Nashville or any other show that promotes LGBT blah blah blah..,WHATEVER! Cramming same sex making out into our Homes! But I can't watch MY FAVORITE show! Last Man Standing! Talk about discrimination!! ABC needs to listen to the majority -not the 2% -Afraid of lawsuit? Maybe we should scream, riot, wine [sp] and create law suits against EVERYBODY that doesn't make us feel good, then we can get our way!! "Last Man Standing" also offered the counter viewpoint...it's not like you didn't hear the other side. It is obvious they wish to only present their views and only wish to INDOCTRINATE people. We live in a country of FREE speech, if we believe it we should practice it and not support those who suppress it! [Screenshot below]
The anti-LGBT tone of Massey’s post runs throughout, from her references to “LGBT blah blah blah” and the “2%” to her mocking of lawsuits and claims of indoctrination. The post has since been removed after it began to circulate.
"We believe business leaders benefit when they practice inclusion. Diversity is smart business and good for the Nashville economy. An economy is more likely to reach its potential when all segments of our community are included as consumers, suppliers, business owners, talent, and leaders," said Lisa Howe, CEO of Nashville’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
Joe Woolley, the Nashville LGBT Chamber’s board president, added,"The Nashville LGBT Chamber works very hard to ensure all businesses are inclusive and welcoming to all. It is very sad to hear from a leader from another local Chamber of Commerce make statements that fundamentally go against inclusion and equality.” Going a step further, Woolley expressed his disappointment in Massey’s comments. “We are very disappointed in these remarks, and we have good reason to believe we are not the only Chamber that believes equality is good for business."
According to Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, Massey’s post does not reflect the attitude of the district she represents. Barry holds up the Madison Rivergate Chamber’s member and board leadership as exemplary of different values.
“David McMurry, past president of the Madison-Rivergate Chamber of Commerce,” Mayor Barry said, “has been a great partner in helping to grow our economy and promote a more inclusive environment in Nashville. The Facebook post referenced does not reflect the great work they are doing as an organization.”
Barry also wanted to reinforce that Massey’s attitude does not represent that majority of Metro area business owners. “I’m glad more than 400 businesses from across Davidson County joined Tennessee Thrives to stand against discrimination and promote being a warm and welcoming city for everyone,” Barry added.
As of this writing, the Madison Rivergate Chamber could not be reached for comment.
