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New commission forming to advise Columbus leaders on LGBTQ+ issues
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin announced the formation of an LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission on Friday.
He said this effort is all about enshrining the queer community's voice in Columbus despite recent legislation at the Ohio Statehouse.
As Pride weekend kicked off in the city, Hardin said that it is an important time to make sure that there is a group advising Columbus leaders on LGBTQ+ issues.
'They will be our official voice to city government, to City Hall to make sure that we are aware and moving policy forward that advances the community,' Hardin said.
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The LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission will have 13 members serving three-year terms.
They'll meet quarterly to stay up to date on the latest policies and programs affecting the queer community in Columbus.
LGBTQ-elected officials across the state were in Columbus Friday for the announcement.
'It sends a message and a wonderful example to the state government as well as other communities in the state of Ohio. I mean, I think nothing but good can come from it,' said Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood).
The commission will directly advise Columbus City Council and the mayor. Members will also monitor legislation at the state and federal level, recommend policies and promote community engagement.
'We're educating both elected officials and also our residents on how they can have a voice in Columbus, but also at the Statehouse and at the federal level,' Hardin said.
The council president said now is the time to form an LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission in Columbus because recent legislation at the Statehouse has targeted the queer community.
Antonio said the commission is a way to show current and future residents that Columbus will always be welcoming to all.
'Someone who's from the LGBTQ community or has loved ones or is an ally of looks at that and says, 'that's a city I want to live in,'' Antonio said.
The LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission has not officially formed yet because the legislation needs to be introduced and approved by City Council. Hardin said he expects this to happen in July.
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