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Seaside public comments split after council reads Pride Month proclamation
Summary
Public comment at the May 11 Seaside City Council meeting produced sharply contrasting views: several speakers denounced the mayor's Pride Month proclamation on religious grounds, while others thanked council and invited residents to the June 6 Pride Walk. Officials did not change the proclamation after the public comments.
During public comment at the Seaside City Council meeting on May 11, a series of speakers presented opposing views about the mayor's Pride Month proclamation.
Vivian Baches of Gearhart told the council she was "disappointed that yet another gay pride month proclamation has been read," saying it was offensive to many Christians and that she and her husband had unsuccessfully requested a proclamation "to honor America's 250th celebration and its rededication back to God." Pete Bach, who spoke after Baches, reinforced that position and said previous letters to the mayor had not received responses.
Other speakers offered countervailing testimony. Donna Benil thanked the mayor for recognizing the local LGBTQ community and announced a Pride Walk scheduled for June 6 beginning at 12:00 p.m. at 12th Street and the Prom. Seamus McVey described the hostility the local LGBTQ community faces and said the proclamation responded to that need for recognition. Jules Lions and Karen Flores also spoke in support of the proclamation and endorsed inclusivity.
Mayor Steve Wright and council members listened during the allotted public-comment period; no council action was taken to rescind or amend the proclamation at the meeting. The city's proclamations are ceremonial statements of support and do not impose legal requirements.
During the remainder of the meeting, council continued with its agenda of proclamations (including National Police Week and Public Works Week), reports and ordinance items.
The transcript shows the exchange reflected both personal belief-based objections and vocal support for the proclamation; council members noted the public-comment policy and the limited purpose of the period: to present opinions to the council for consideration on future agendas if appropriate.
Protesters and supporters can expect related community events in June: staff announced the Pride Walk on June 6 at noon, and speakers said the city remains a venue for competing viewpoints delivered under the public-comment rules.
