OWATONNA, Minn. – Mayor Thomas Kuntz admitted that his homophobic behavior regarding a Gay Pride event in July was wrong. In a public statement, the five-term mayor said he over-reacte: “Small-town values may make us uncomfortable with change and less open to people we don’t understand. I realized that the discomfort I have been experiencing is a minor compared to what some of our community members, neighbors, and especially young people, have experienced every day of their lives.” Kurtz issued the statement after a series of meetings with Owatonna gay leaders. At the meetings, Kurtz said, he heard stories and experiences of discrimination directly. He promised ways to make amends with a community to whom he brought hurt.
Earlier: Mayor to Owatonna gays: A halfway apology
Kuntz. Owatonna mayor 20 years.