The DeWitt Town Board unanimously declared June LGBTQ Pride Month at their Monday, May 24, 2021 Town Board Meeting.

Motion made by Councilor Young.

and Seconded by Councilor Rigney.

DEWITT TOWN COUNCIL

RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING LGBTQ PRIDE MONTH AND

FLYING THE LGBTQ PRIDE FLAG AT TOWN HALL

Whereas, President Barack Obama declared June LGBTQ Pride Month in 2010, stating “I call upon all Americans to observe this month by fighting prejudice and discrimination in their own lives and everywhere it exists.” – Proclamation 8529 by U.S President Barack Obama, May 28, 2010; and

Whereas, June has henceforth been designated as a time to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) community, with the express purpose of raising awareness of quality services, and to foster a dialogue to promote healthy, safe, and prosperous climates and communities for all; and

Whereas, in 2002, the New York State Legislature passed the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, credit, and the exercise of civil rights; and

Whereas, in January 2019, the New York State Legislature passed the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), which further prohibits discrimination in all of the above categories based on gender identity or expression; and

Whereas, the Town of DeWitt strives to be a community in which everyone who works, lives, visits or travels here feels a sense of welcome, inclusion and equality; and

Whereas, all Town of DeWitt residents should be able to live and work in a safe and inclusive community free from discrimination, and civil rights laws protecting all people from discrimination contribute to such environments; and

Whereas, the lack of awareness and understanding of issues facing LGBTQ individuals has contributed to higher rates of school dropout, harassment, and increased mental health challenges; and

Whereas, education regarding LGBTQ issues increases understanding and cultivates respect for the LGBTQ community; and

Whereas, policies that specifically mention sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression are associated with: citizens feeling safer; decreased incidents of harassment related to sexual orientation; and a greater reporting of incidents; and

Whereas, flying the rainbow flag throughout the month of June further symbolizes the Town of DeWitt’s celebration of diversity and support for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning community;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of DeWitt recognizes the month of June as LGBTQ Pride Month and will fly the rainbow flag at Town Hall throughout the month of June to inspire equity, create alliances, celebrate diversity, and establish a safe environment in our community; and

Be it further RESOLVED that this resolution be distributed and displayed at Town Hall, on the Town website, newsletter, and otherwise publicized during June 2021.

The foregoing resolution was duly adopted by the DeWitt Town Council at its meeting on May 24^th, 2021.

 Adopted 7 Ayes