Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin today announced legislation to create the city’s first-ever LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission.
Hardin explained that the commission will advise Columbus City Council and the mayor on policies and programs to protect and support the LGBTQ+ community.
“This commission will help ensure that Columbus is a place where LGBTQ+ people can live openly, where they know they belong and where they know they can thrive,” Hardin said.
The commission’s duties will include recommending policies, monitoring legislation at the state and federal level, outreach to the local community and the creation of a strategic plan.
The 13-member commission will consist of six members appointed by City Council, six appointed by the mayor and one jointly appointed chairperson. Members will serve three-year terms and will meet quarterly throughout the year.
Hardin promised that the commission members would represent the “full diversity of Columbus.”
Cincinnati made history in March by establishing the state’s first-known city commission dedicated solely to advising the City Council on LGBTQ+ issues. Hardin thanked Cincinnati city officials for their leadership, inspiration and advice.
Although the announcement to create the commission was made in June, Hardin said that current efforts to erase the LGBTQ+ community are as important to address as Columbus’ upcoming Pride celebration this weekend.
“This isn’t just about Pride Month,” he said. “It’s about permanent structural inclusion.”
City officials said that the overall goal is to affirm that Columbus is a city that protects LGBTQ+ rights and uplifts the LGBTQ+ community.
“Our city is strongest when every resident feels seen, heard and valued,” said Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “The creation of the LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring that the voices and needs of our LGBTQ+ community are represented in the decisions that affect their lives. Together, we are building a city where everyone – no matter who they are or whom they love – can thrive with dignity and pride.”
City officials said the legislation will be introduced in the upcoming weeks.🔥
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