Mayor Proclaims June LGBTQ+ Month

It states, “millions of participants from around the world have traveled to commemorate and honor the LGBTQ+ members of the community and to hold memorials for those who have been largely overlooked, silenced, and assaulted due to an aspect of their identity.”

The proclamation also states that Washington is home to many LGBTQ+ citizens, and through “increased visibility, education and awareness,” the community can achieve acceptance, inclusion and celebration of the LGBTQ+ members of the community.”

Prior to the reading of the proclamation, Ward 1 Councilman Steve Sullentup commented that proclamations are not voted on by the council..

“While the mayor is walking up there, I just want to make it clear to the public and whoever is in the stands that the council does not vote on proclamations,” he said.

“I have been asked about that from a lot of people and I want to make it clear,” Sullentrup added. “None of these proclamations are ever voted on.”

Following the reading of the proclamation, Washington Police Chief Ed Menefee said the Franklin County Human Rights Task Force, an organization of which he belongs, supports the proclamation.

“We seek to address all of the issues in our communities, to bring people closer together, and everyone stand together,” Menefee said.

“So, we as a group also are supportive of the proclamation, Mayor, and we seek to bring forward the issues that the pride community has to face and remind everyone that they are part of our community, and work with us, and together with us, in this community.”