In a display of support for the LGBTQ+ community, the Clovis City Council voted against sending an anti-LGBTQ letter to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors. The proposal, put forth by councilmember Diane Pearse, generated significant debate during Tuesday evening’s meeting. Ultimately, the council’s decision not to send the letter will hopefully stop the broader shift towards anti-LGBTQ+ ideals being pushed by this councilmember.
The controversy began when Diane Pearse, a member of the Clovis City Council, proposed sending a letter to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors expressing concerns about LGBTQ+ books in the Clovis library. The letter’s content, which critics argued was discriminatory and harmful, sought to undermine the LGBTQ+ community.
Her facebook postings have led to weeks of intense community engagement and debate. Residents from all walks of life, including LGBTQ+ advocates, allies, and concerned citizens, took to the podium last night to voice their opinions. Ultimately, 41 spoke against sending the letter and 8 spoke in support of it. 81% spoke in favor of our community and equality!
Supporters of the LGBTQ+ community argued that the letter had no place in a society that values equality and inclusivity. They emphasized the importance of respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Proponents of sending the letter, however, defended Diane Pearse’s view that normalizing LGBTQ+ representation in children’s books leads to children being unsafe and sexualizes them.
Despite the passionate arguments on both sides, the Clovis City Council ultimately voted against sending the anti-LGBTQ letter to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors. The decision marked a victory for inclusivity and LGBTQ+ rights in Clovis.
At least two board members are now planning to send their own individual letters to the Fresno County Board of supervisors. We will post them once they are available.
The rejection of the anti-LGBTQ letter by the Clovis City Council is a testament to the power of community engagement and the importance of standing up for inclusivity and equality. While the debate was often heated and emotionally charged, but it is because of the strength of the speakers who came out, that we received this outcome.
As we move forward, it is crucial to continue to stay engaged, as the Fresno County Board of Supervisors have voted in the past against the LGBTQ+ community and we expect they will continue to do so. Please text “advocate” to 559-862-1040 to join our advocacy text alert list. We often have less than 3 days notice of impending anti-LGBTQ+ actions.
