Columbus council advances plan to create LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission; second reading set for Monday

Council President Shannon Hardin introduced Ordinance 14122025 on the creation of a Columbus LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission at a Columbus City Council hearing, saying the commission "will give our community a permanent seat at the table." The council scheduled a second reading for the ordinance on Monday and said it intends to open applications this fall with the first commission seated before the end of the year.

The proposal, as described by Sam Dooling of the City’s legislative research office, would create a 13‑member advisory commission: six members appointed by the mayor, six appointed by council and one jointly appointed member who would serve as chair. Initial terms would be staggered, members would serve without compensation, meet at least quarterly and submit an annual report to the mayor and council. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion will provide staffing support; the ordinance anticipates the commission may use a consultant in its first year…