Lianne Zeltinger,

Minot

Monday evening was the fourth meeting that included Ordinance 5840 on the agenda. And, again the vote was delayed until the next meeting. That is quite unusual for any item. Something close would be an ad hoc committee providing monthly updates. But, even those are not included on the agenda for an actual vote until the committee is ready to present its final version. So now, there will be a full two-month delay regarding this ordinance.

There is nothing stopping the advocates of this ordinance from privately funding and creating a group whose specific purpose would be to promote acceptance through specific educational programs. That is where this needs to be, not as a government-sanctioned entity that has as its purpose one specific agenda item. And, it is very clear that this ordinance is geared to only one group of the 24 or 25 separate groups listed in the ordinance. That is evidenced by the supporters who have spoken. There has been no one coming forward to speak about immigration, sexual assault, income inequality or any of the sixteen or seventeen categories that are not related to sexual orientation.

Monday evening Mayor Ross opened the door for public comments with two limitations. One, only those who had not spoken about this item before were to speak. And, two, he limited each person to five minutes. The only person to disregard both spoke for 6 ½ minutes about the hatred towards the gay transgender community in Minot. Mayor Ross stopped her after the 6 ½ minutes. That behavior is rude and disrespectful. Speaks to desperation.

It certainly does not garner support. I, for one, have no hatred or animus towards anyone whose sexual orientation is different than mine. In fact, I don’t know anyone’s sexual tendencies until he or she shares It publicly or privately. That rude behavior does build a wall and that is the exact opposite effect they are promoting. Or is it? Time will tell.

Additionally, a member of the council did not take her seat at the dais at the last minute, leaving people confused and upset. A short message from her and read by our Mayor would have gone a long way in assuaging disgruntled feelings. It seems that garnering support for her ordinance isn’t her intent.

FInally, I find it so ironic that the statement under 2-211 of the ordinance states, “The purpose of the human relations committee is to promote acceptance and respect for diversity through educational programs and activities and to discourage all forms of discrimination based on actual or perceived. …” Then it goes on to list twenty-six groups. I repeat, promote acceptance and respect. If acceptance and respect were really part of the desired outcome, those supporting the ordinance should be setting the standard. The standard they are exemplifying falls far short.

One final additional note. There are federal and state laws already in place to prosecute acts of discrimination. Let the city government focus on their role of hashing out a budget to keep our city’s emergency responders, public works, and engineers up and running.