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Akron leaders back resolution opposing state bill seen as targeting drag performances and LGBTQ+ residents
Summary
Akron’s mayor and council sponsors presented a resolution urging opposition to a state House bill described in the meeting as restricting drag performances and targeting LGBTQ+ residents; the rules committee suspended its rules to send the measure to full council that evening.
The mayor introduced a resolution asking the City of Akron to oppose a state House bill described in committee as targeting drag performances and LGBTQ+ residents, calling the measure vague and likely to encourage discrimination. “This piece of legislation would be a step backwards for our community,” the mayor said, arguing the bill's language is imprecise and could enable enforcement driven by personal bias.
Council Representative Wilson, a co-sponsor, said both Akron state representatives, Veronica Sims and Derek Hall, had voted against the bill and urged the city to send a clear message to Columbus. “We've always had a rich, performance history,” Wilson said, noting archival research at the University of Akron documenting drag performances in the city’s history.
Councilwoman Amobian voiced strong support for the resolution, saying Akron has repeatedly adopted protections for LGBTQ+ residents and should continue to do so. “Everybody should be welcome,” Amobian said, adding that city staff and residents who are part of the LGBTQ+ community contribute across civic life.
After members discussed the measure, a committee member moved to suspend the rules so the resolution could be taken up by the full council that evening; the committee approved the motion by voice vote. The committee recorded no roll-call tally in the transcript; staff said the item would be placed before council that evening.
The resolution as presented urges the city’s opposition to the referenced state bill and affirms the city’s commitment to the dignity, safety and equal treatment of LGBTQ+ residents and declares an emergency to expedite council consideration.
