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Public comment: Claremore resident Amber Summerlin urges council to oppose drag-queen events at family-friendly gatherings
Summary
During public comment, Amber Summerlin told the council she objects to drag-queen events being advertised as family-friendly, said she had consulted local business and church leaders, and that she believes such events "groom" children; the council did not engage in discussion per open meetings rules.
Amber Summerlin addressed the Claremore City Council during the public-comment period to express moral objections to events featuring drag performers that she said are being advertised as "family friendly." Summerlin said she had met with business leaders, church leaders and other community members in the prior six weeks and that none "thought that this is a great idea for Claremore." She described a personal history of addiction and recovery and framed her comments in religious terms, citing scripture.
Summerlin said she was concerned such events "groom the children of our community and surrounding area" and that organizers advertise them to include children; she asked the council to explain why such events would be held if children were not allowed to attend. She further said city leaders, administrators and business leaders will be "held accountable before God for their actions or lack thereof in protecting God's children."
The mayor and staff advised Summerlin of public-comment rules at the start of her remarks, noting the council cannot answer questions during public comment under Oklahoma's Open Meeting Act and limiting her to a three-minute speaking period. No council response or action was taken as a result of the comment, and the item was recorded as part of the public-comment period only.
