Brooklyn City Council approves resolution recognizing June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month on 4-3 vote

The Brooklyn City Council voted 4-3 to adopt a resolution recognizing June as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning plus (LGBTQ+) Pride Month, placing the measure on first reading rather than giving it immediate effect.

The measure, introduced by Councilman Steven Coyle and cosponsored by Council President Kathy Pucci and Councilwoman Sue Grodick, drew public comment from several residents who urged support after a spate of local vandalism and threats against minority residents. Reverend Ginger Marshall, a Brooklyn resident, told the council, “Iam asking you to take a stand for our community and support this resolution and vote yes.” Joseph Pierce, also a resident, said the resolution “is a reminder that such intolerance is in fact not who we are as a city.” Dr. Mark Macloney, who identified himself as a physician, urged the council to vote yes and said the recognition could help address mental-health challenges among LGBTQ+ youth.

Supporters framed the resolution as a symbolic but meaningful statement of inclusion. Citing local incidents of vandalism last summer, Councilman Steven Coyle said the resolution “sends a strong and unified message that disrespect and hate have no place in Brooklyn.” Opponents stressed neutral, inclusive language instead of singling out any single group. Councilman Aaron Borowski read a letter from a constituent and said proclamations can be “unnecessary division,” and Councilman Kevin Tanski said he would prefer a broader “Brooklyn for All” proclamation that, in his view, would be less polarizing.

Council members debated whether to adopt the resolution as an emergency measure so it would take immediate effect. The resolutionitself cites Section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code in its preamble and declares an emergency if supported by a two-thirds vote. The council voted to suspend the rules and adopt the resolution under suspension; the final roll call on adoption was Kathy Pucci, yes; Steven Coyle, yes; Andy Selhertz, no; Matt Mosley, yes; Aaron Borowski, no; Kevin Tanski, no; Sue Grodick, yes. Because the vote was 4-3, the resolution did not meet the two-thirds threshold required in the preamble to take immediate effect and therefore remains on first reading.

Council members said the resolution does not impose any requirements on residents or city operations; supporters described it as an expression of support for residents who have reported harassment, while opponents urged a broader approach to proclamations that would include all groups. The measure will return to the council in its ordinary legislative process if further readings are scheduled.

For residents wishing to review the full text, Council President Kathy Pucci read the resolution into the record during the meeting.