At this evening’s Warrensburg City Council meeting the council voted unanimously (5-0) to approve a resolution in support of LGBTQIA+ persons.

Suzy Latare (left) and members of the Diversity and Inclusion Commission presented the resolution to the city council.

A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Warrensburg, Missouri, Supporting and Encouraging Acceptance and Diversity Within the City of Warrensburg – presented by The Diversity and Inclusion Commission:

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WARRENSBURG, MISSOURI
SUPPORTING AND ENCOURAGING ACCEPTANCE AND DIVERSITY WITHIN THE CITY OF WARRENSBURG

WHEREAS, All persons should be able to live in a community whose environment is free from discrimination on the basis of association with any class; and

WHEREAS, History has shown that civil rights laws are effective in contributing to such environments; and

WHEREAS, Explicit federal and state statutory protections currently address discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and other statuses, but not sexual orientation, gender identity or gender presentation; and

WHEREAS, The lack of awareness and understanding of issues facing LGBTQIA+ persons has contributed to a variety of challenges facing these individuals; and

WHEREAS, Education regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender presentation issues increases understanding and cultivates acceptance of and respect for LGBTQIA+ persons; and

WHEREAS, LGBTQIA+ persons should be among all groups of persons that the Warrensburg Diversity and Inclusion Commission seeks to reach within the Warrensburg Community, and to foster understanding, respect, and education about this group, in addition to those whose status is presently protected by state and federal statute; and

WHEREAS, The course of history has shown that protection of marginalized groups under law is necessary and laudable, and that education of the community and understanding of these groups strengthens all concerned,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WARRENSBURG, MISSOURI, that the City expresses its support for all persons no matter their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender presentation, and urges understanding and education in the community to foster understanding and fair treatment, and that the City welcomes development, advancement, and clarification of the law at the state and federal level regarding the status of LGBTQIA+ persons. The Council reaffirms its commitment to the work of the Diversity and Inclusion Commission and urges that outreach and education will continue with respect to all marginalized groups within the Warrensburg Community, regardless of their current status under law.

Passed this [25th] day of March 2019.

Applause from the city council after passage of the resolution: