As Missouri lawmakers continue attacking LGBTQ+ rights, one city is taking a sta

[traciknight]

As Missouri lawmakers continue attacking LGBTQ+ rights, one city is taking a stand against hate

For complete story
https://www.advocate.com/politics/columbia-missouri-lgbtq-safe-haven

BY RYAN ADAMCZESKI FEBRUARY 21 2024 12:31 PM EST in The Advocate

The Columbia City Council voted 6-1 on Monday night to declare the city an LGBTQ+ safe haven.

After Missouri lawmakers proposed more anti-LGBTQ+ legislation than any other state in 2023, the the Show-Me State's fifth-largest city is fighting back.

The Columbia City Council voted 6-1 on Monday night to declare the city an LGBTQ+ safe haven. The public comment period ran for nearly three hours, with the majority of the attendees speaking in favor of the ordinance.

"The City Council affirms that being LGBTQ is not a disorder, disease, illness, deficiency or shortcoming and commits to finding ways to improve social outcomes for LGBTQ Columbians," the Ordinance reads, via ABC 17 News.

The lone vote against came from Ward 5 Councilman Don Waterman, who said during the meeting that he does "not see a need for it," despite the state legislature's continued targeting of the queer community. In addition to their onslaught in 2023, Missouri currently has 31 anti-LGBTQ+ bills advancing, all of which were first read this year, according to the American Civil Liberties Union.

============================================================================================================================