Columbus council establishes LGBTQ affairs commission after emotional testimony and archived 1984 footage

Columbus City Council on the evening decided to create a permanent Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Affairs Commission, approving ordinance 14-12-2025 after an amendment and a roll-call vote.

The measure, carried by the Rules and Policy Committee, directs the city to establish an LGBTQ affairs commission to advise and advocate on issues affecting LGBTQ residents and to encourage the city’s inclusive practices.

Supporters described the commission as a corrective to past council decisions and as a vehicle for ongoing community engagement. Council President Harden framed the vote in historical context and played a clip from council debate in 1984 that opponents and supporters of anti-discrimination protections recorded at that time. The archived footage and live testimony underscored how the issue has recurred in city politics for decades.

Rhonda Rivera, who identified herself as an attorney and described bringing family members to the meeting, said the moment carried deep personal meaning. Rivera told council she had “felt so deeply and cared so much,” and described bringing her 17-year-old son to the hearing to show the stakes for young people in Columbus public schools. Rivera urged council members to act.

Robert Rivera, introduced by his mother and identified in the meeting as a Columbus Alternative High School student, addressed council directly. “What I’d like to say to you tonight is that we’re all opening our hearts to you, and we’re putting them on a silver platter so you have two choices. You can cut it or you can love it,” he said.

Council members also acknowledged that the measure drew hostile written and spoken testimony opposing the creation of a commission. Multiple speakers in the historical clip and later public comments opposed including sexual orientation in local protections; those remarks were part of the record but did not alter the council’s vote.

Council moved to amend the ordinance as submitted and then voted for passage as amended. The clerk called the roll and the measure passed by recorded vote; the transcript records the item as “Passed.” The ordinance enacts chapter 71.179 of the Columbus City Code as described on the meeting agenda.

City officials said the new commission will open a formal channel for community input and outreach; further details on membership, duties and reporting will be developed consistent with the ordinance language and subsequent administrative direction.