2021-06-01 Item V.A Proclamation - Gay Pride Month (with public comments)�.�._. _.-,w-
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WHEREAS, the Czty of Okeechobee is a welcoming comrnunity and an exceptional place to
live, learn, work, play, and razse a family; and
WHEIZEAS, Okeechobee recognizes the importance of equality and freedom; and
WHEREA,S, the nation was founded upon and is guided by a set of principles that includes
that every person has been created equal, that each has rights to their life, liberty and
pursuit of happiness and that each shall be accorded the full recognition and protectiort
of Iaw; and
,��` WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning
#.{�� (LGBTQ) community are a uital part of all fields and professions and contribute to a
� stronger community; and
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rf � WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee is dedicated to fostering acceptance of all its citizens and
��� F preventing discrimination anc� bullying based on sexual orientation and gender identity;
and
:�"" WHEREA,S, Okeechobee is strengthened by and thrives upon the rich diversity of ethnic,�-
"� cultural, racial, gender and sexual identities of its residents; all of which contribute to
the vibrant character of our City; and
WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recognizes that LGBTQ teens are at higher
risk to be the Uictims of uiolence and have increased suicide rates; and
WHEREAS, it is imperatiue that young people in the cornmunity, regardless of sexual
orientation or gender identity, feel valued, safe, empowered, and supported by their'
peers, educators, and community leaders.
NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Okeechobee recognizes June 2021
as Pride Month.
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Council Member Keefe's Comments
New Business Item A, June 1, 2021
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Recognizing this to be a controversial issue, I still chose to put it on the agenda — Because as a US Marine
Veteran — an Afghanistan war veteran who fought and almost died protecting the freedoms that most
Americans take for granted — I choose to continue to fight for the freedoms of my fellow citizens. I am
not advocating for any particular group's position, nor am I promoting any particular organizations'
opinions, moral standings, or religious beliefs. I am not choosing sides or elevating one group over
another. My intent is to take an opportunity to recognize equal rights and equal protection under law
that is provided to all citizens under the Constitution of the United States. In the year 2021, I would like
to believe that my fellow council members and citizens of my hometown would stand behind the
principle of equal rights for all. This is a basic freedom for which I fought and what I will continue to fight
for as part of our overall FREEDOM.
The month of June is nationally recognized as Pride Month. Bill Clinton was the first U.S. President
to officially recognize Pride Month in 1999 and 2000. Then, from 2009 to 2016, Barack Obama
declared June LGBT Pride Month. In May 2019, Donald Trump recognized Pride Month with a
tweet announcing that his administration had launched a global campaign to decriminalize
homosexuality....
A local government reading a proclamation recognizing Pride month is not an earth shattering event —
but simply doing what is already being done across the globe! This is not a moral issue or a religious
issue. It is an equality issue.
There have been comments made in opposition to this agenda item both on social media as well as in
emails sent to the City Council. The common theme within these comments are that "this small town
has certain religious beliefs and moral values" and "having this Proclamation would cause separation
between different groups"
One email I received used the phrase "separation of church and state" to argue against this
proclamation recognizing equality. That paraphrase by Thomas Jefferson referencing the First
Amendment, which reads: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof...." Which means that Congress can NOT create a State Religion,
nor interfere with citizens' right to participate in the religious activities of their choosing.
I would submit to you again, that the reading of a proclamation recognizing the equality issues of a
historically marginalized group is neither a morality issue, nor a religious issue. It is about equality.
Reading a proclamation is not the government supporting a group or organization - simply providing
recognition of and reminder that all people are created equal and all American citizens have the right to
all freedoms, and equal rights and equal protections under law.
another opinion given in an email is that by recognizing a particular group or community by reading a
proclamation, it causes separation. It could be perceived though that an argument against the
recognition imposes a separation. having an opposition to the reading of a proclamation recognizing
Pride Month could be interpreted as seeing oneself (and others that agree with that opinion) as
different and SEPARATE from anyone in favor of the proclamation.
The intent of the proclamation is not separation, but rather INCLUSIVITY. If anyone feels excluded by the
reading of a proclamation recognizing an already nationally recognized month, than wouldn't that be
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that individual's own choice to feel that way? And if they feel excluded, then they by default have
imposed their own separation.
If any group or organization wishes to request a proclamation be read at a City Council meeting, they
have the right and are welcome to do so. It does not waste any taxpayer money. A proclamation doesn't
impose any action, rule, ordinance, or law. It has no effectual impact on the city. It is purely ceremonial
in nature.
In the same email was a statement trying to justify not reading a proclamation recognizing equality —
and I quote, "By all ways that community are normal citizens with normal citizens freedoms." I would
like to highlight that the use of the two words, "that community" creates separation and divisiveness!
Furthermore, that statement is incorrect! If "that community" had the rights and freedoms of "normal
citizens" and they were considered "normal citizens" then there would not be a distinction between
human beings with different sexualities and gender identities. The term "LGBTQ community' would not
exist. There would not have been the Stonewall Inn riots in 1969 that was a catalyst for the gay rights
movement. There would not have been a need for a gay rights movement at all. If "that community"
were considered "normal citizens" they would not have had to fight for their right to marry — which is
still under attack!
Those who are trying to make this a moral and religious issue, should understand that it could be
perceived that YOU are creating separation and divisiveness, and that YOU are trying to impose YOUR
beliefs on others. This proclamation is simply a recognition of the need for equality among all people.
June is also National PTSD awareness month. Should we not allow a veteran group the opportunity to
have a proclamation read and presented to them recognizing the multitude of statistics concerning
suicide and other issues veterans with PTSD face?? This is a unique group of people that not all citizens
can identify with. There may even be people that are tired of hearing about veteran issues. Would a
proclamation for National PTSD awareness month cause divisiveness and separation between veterans
and non veterans???? I would think not! A proclamation recognizing June as National PTSD awareness
month is simply trying to raise awareness of issues affecting a population.
NO DIFFERENT THAN A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JUNE AS PRIDE MONTH TRYING TO RAISE
AWARENESS OF EQUALITY ISSUES AFFECTING A POPULATION.
Lane Gamiotea Cp" �" a/%)')(,j� �
From:
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To:
Subject:
grabak5@aol.com
Wednesday, May 26, 2021 3:43 PM
Lane Gamiotea
gay pride month
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Totally inappropriate, God made 2 sexes man and woman. Our kids do not need
this.
I am at a loss of words, never thought Okeechobee would allow this to happen
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Lane Gamiotea
From: Big Lake Baptist Association <blbaokeechobee@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 26, 2021 7:06 PM �",� ';� (�� �
To: Lane Gamiotea
Subject: Gay Pride Month
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Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
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On Wednesday, May 26, 2021, 5:12 PM, William McElheny <billmcel@yahoo.com> wrote:
Gay pride month is on your agenda for your next meeting. Please hear my objection. In Gods Holy
Word "The Holy Bible" As it says in the book of Genesis chapter 1 verse 27 ; So God created man in His
own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Any recognition that
gay is alright is against Gods word and will. Christianity will never die or go away.
William H Mc Elheny
Member Everglades Baptist Church
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CITY OF C)KEECHOBEE
(863) 763-3372 Ext. 9812 FAX (863) 763-1686
EMA�L: rbrock@cityofokeechobee.com
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REQUEST FORM
PLEASE SUBMIT COMPLETED FORM TO:
CITY ADM'fNISTRATOR
55 SE 3"� AvEN[7E, ROotvt 201
OKEECHOBEE, Fz.oRma 34974
AT'I'Lv: Robin Brock, Executive Assistant
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ADDRESS: �{ `2..�
TELEPHONE: �7�'2�f-�' ��q '�" Email
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MEETING: REGULAR � SPECIA.L i�l WORKSHOP r DATE:
Please state the item you wish to hw �ve place�d on the
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Please state what departnnent(s) you have worked wi�ti:
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Please state desired action by the City Council:
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Please summarize pertinent information cancerning your reqnest and attach applicable
documents: �,'o�cc�M,���' i�m CDh C,2X'c�+-c� C-C'C� �Qn S�—���
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If a presentation is to be made, please Iimit the time to ten minutes unless otherwise
approved by the Mayor.
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STGNED BY: DATE: � (...--.J �
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Concerned Citizens of Okeechobee �
Presented by: Jim Craig �S-j-Q,iY�"� �r .
574-249-9495
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PO Box 100
4221 SE 28tfi Street, Okee FL.
Date: May 29th 2021
To: City Councii Members of the City af Okeechobee
The city of Okeechobee should NOT consider Gay Pride Proclamation! At the City of
Okeechobee City Counci! Meeting on June 1, 2021.
Ref: Agenda Item V. NEW BUSINESS,
A. Discuss and consider a proclamation recognizing Gay Pride Month.
it's good #o have diversity, but we should not promote or elevate one group over
another. There is so much division in America now, we need to remove labels do not
promote them. We are for all Americans.
Lake Okeechobee News articie was very miss-leading, the school board did NOT
consider the proclamaiion of the impor#ance of LGBT, that was pulled from the Agenda
and was not considered.
We are a small tawn with core religious betiefs & values, yes we can accept Gays, I
personal have gay friends, however we should never promote ifi in �keechobee City,
County, or School System.
Jim Craig on behalf of Concemed Citizens of Okeechobee.
Lane Gamiotea
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Mandy Phillips <phillips4kids@gmail.com>
Friday, May 28, 2021 10:00 AM
Lane Gamiotea
Gay Pride Month
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I want to go on record as saying I am opposed to this!!
Thank you,
Mandy Phillips
Lane Gamiotea
From: Eric Phillips <pastoreric23@gmail.com> �- i� I m u� ��
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Friday, May 28, 2021 9:51 AM
Lane Gamiotea
Gay Pride Month
Okeechobee Representatives,
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Good morning. As a Bible-believing Christian I am opposed to our
community supporting and celebrating Gay Pride Month. Even though we
love all people, the Lord God would not want us to celebrate sinful
lifestyles.
Thank you for your time and your leadership in our community.
In Christ,
Pastor Eric Phillips
Eric Phillips
Everglades Baptist Church
Pastor of Counseling
pastoreric23@�mail.com
863-261-2198
Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives within me, and the life I
now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me."
� �---� Virus-free. ��vvvw.avq.com
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Lane Gamiotea
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Rachel Nickalson <nickalson4@gmail.com>
Tuesday, June 1, 2021 8:40 AM
Lane Gamiotea
Discussion for Gay Pride Month Acknowledgement
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Good afternoon. I have seen that there is supposed to be a discussion about discussing a proclamation considering Gay
Pride Month in Okeechobee. As a citizen of this town, I am not in favor of recognizing this very personal matter. First, I
want to recognize that this does not honor the Lord. Any time an individual or community moves away from God and
His ways, things do not go well. Second, this is different from recognizing a people group/ethnicity. This is an
immutable part of a person. How you choose to be in relationships is personal and can change and it is their business. I
am sad whenever anyone is mistreated because of a belief(including their sexual preference), this is not right. I will not
treat people disrespectfully even if I don't agree with them. If this has happened, then that is wrong. However, this
personal matter needs to stay with the person and not have to be forced on an entire community.
Thank you for your time.
Rachel Nickalson
2 Corinthians 5:17
Lane Gamiotea
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Kimberley <lerleybell45@yahoo.com>
Tuesday, June 1, 2021 12:03 PM
Lane Gamiotea
Gay Pride month
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To Whom It May Concern,
I have been informed that some people are considering proclaiming gay pride month in our town. I beg you to please do
NOT allow this into our town. This may be a small thing, but it could open the door to more and more. Our town does not
need that. Mr. Mayor, I admire you for standing for your religious beliefs and encourage you to keep on standing. Please
do not let this pass. I do not want my children growing up thinking this is an acceptable thing.
Sincerely,
A concerned mom of 4 kids
Kim H
Lane Gamiotea
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Bobbi Poole <photosbybobbi@embarqmail.com>
Tuesday,lune 1, 2021 12:41 PM
Lane Gamiotea
Re: Gay Pride week,day, month , year.
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In the New Testament, Jude adds an important insight:
`...just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in
sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a
punishment of eternal fire'
Jude 7
What happened at Sodom is clearly meant to be something of a cautionary tale. Jude makes it clear
that their ungodliness involved sexual immorality. They were punished for sexual sin along with the
other sins of which they were guilty. (So we are willing to put the city of Okeechobee, in state of
destruction? from the Lord as judgement ??? GOD FORBID
Lane, I am working from 4 p.m. until 10 pm.
You can print this and any thing more to state my position on this and read it.. I will be the Noah, the
one who stands up and declares NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No to the sin, No -not in my city,
I:i.7�:71' .. r
Lane Gamiotea
From: JeremyHoglo <jhoglo346@gmail.com> �Ji-°�1 m��
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 3:05 PM '
To: Lane Gamiotea
Subject: Re: City Council meeting - Gay Pride Month �:k ��. ;4 �
Please Read this at the meeting and/or add this to the minutes:
"To the Mayor and City Council,
I would like to formally object to the motion of adding Gay Pride Month to the the Okeechobee Calendar. I do not
believe that we need a special month for of a particular group of people, which would be singling out one group more
than another. There are many people groups and nationalities that we do not have special months for. I do not believe
we need to be celebrating this.
Jeremy Hoglo
400 sw 9th st
801-8471
Jeremy Hoglo
863-801-8471
Bobbie Jenkins
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Robin Brock
Tuesday, June 1, 2021 2:42 PM
Lane Gamiotea
Bobbie Jenkins
FW: Gay Pride month.
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Lane, here's another written comment.
Robin Brock
Executive Assistant
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55 SE 3�d Avenue
Okeechobee, FL 34974
Phone: (863) 763-3372, ext. 9812
Direct: (863) 763-9812
Email: rbrock(a�citvofokeechobee.com
Website: www.cityofokeechobee.com
NOTICE: Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public
records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing, Florida Statute 668.6076.
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE ELECTRONIC DEVICE DISCLAIMER: Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written
communications to or from local officials regarding city business are public records available to the public and media upon request.
Your correspondence via e-mail, text message, voice mail, etc., may therefore be subject to public disclosure.
From: Info <info@cityofokeechobee.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 2:36 PM
To: Robin Brock <rbrock@cityofokeechobee.com>
Subject: FW: Gay Pride month:
Ms. Robin,
Forwarding this to you. Was sent to the website email.
Patty
From: Bobbi Poole <photosbybobbi@embarqmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 2:19 PM
To: Info <info@cityofol<eechobee.com>
Subject: Gay Pride month.
Jude 7
And don't forget Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with immorality
and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of
the
eternal fire of God's judgment...
Leviticus 18:22
"Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin."
(N LT)
Leviticus 20:13
"If a man practices homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman, both men have
committed a detestable act. They must both be put to death, for they are guilty of a capital offense."
Protect our town!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!i!!�!�!!!
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Record ID: 202105190keechobee-CityTimeline-posts44175_4437459662948455
, �keechobee City
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Public Notice regarding the June 1, 2021 City Council Meeting:
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Version: Current
Tags: edited
,.„„ Andrew Christy Silvas I can not attend, but I see this proclamation as a disbenfit to this city.
= https://southcentralfloridalife.com/stories/city-council-to-consider-gay_pride-
'� proclamation,19610
The family was God's first earthly institution. Before there was a government, and long before
God instituted the church, He ordained marriage and the family as the basic building block of
society. The destruction of the family we are witnessing today is, I believe, an indicator of the
ultimate collapse of our entire sociery. The more the family is threatened, the more society
itself is in danger of extinction. We're living in the last days, and nothing shows that more
graphically than the deterioration of the family.
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