Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Task Force

Approved 4/1/2013 SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY TASK FORCE March 18, 2013 – 4:30 p.m. Public Safety Center, 330 W. Scott PRESENT: Judge Miles Sweeney – Chairman Randall Doennig, Rev. Steve Gardner, Dick Hardy, Dr. Ginger Holczer, Rick McLain, Lynne Meyerkord, Rev. Michael Overton, Pam Sailors, Robert Saylor, Sarah Smith, David Trippe, Gary Whitaker Angela Filbeck – Alternate Kelly Johnson – MCHRCR Chairman CITY STAFF LIAISONS: Tom Rykowski – Assistant City Attorney, Sharon Smith – City Manager’s Office ABSENT: Lola Butcher, Jeff Houghton, Cindy Lear __________________________________________________________________________ The 3/11/13 minutes were reviewed and Gary Whitaker made a motion to accept. Robert Saylor seconded motion. Minutes approved. Judge Sweeney stated there have been questions of how interviews should be handled regarding the Sunshine Law. Both Judge Sweeney and Assistant City Attorney Tom Rykowski agree that there are no Sunshine ramifications for interviews. Judge Sweeney asked the Task Force if they could come to a consensus regarding interviews. The Task Force’s decision was that all interview requests and media questions be directed to Judge Miles Sweeney for consistency within the Task Force during the time the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Task Force works towards a recommendation to City Council. Rev. Phil Snider, Brentwood Christian Church shared several points of his personal faith perspective. He believes churches can be very affirming of gays and lesbians and that everyone should be treated equally under the law. He said there is concern with many churches that this will cause them to go against their biblical beliefs. Rev. Snider said that depression and suicide are a common factor with those that are denied their sexuality. Josh Spurlock, Licensed Counselor and Director of Relationship Center shared his views on the issue. He does not view same-sex attraction as a choice. He does believe sexual behavior is a choice. Mr. Spurlock said he does believe in right of people’s choice and free speech. He believes as a City we need to promote mutal respect and tolerance. Judge Sweeney opened up discussion on how the faith-based subject should be studied. The Task Force agreed that the group would stay with the three sub-committees currently formed, and a new sub-committee focused on the faith-based will be created at a later date. Next meeting scheduled for Monday, April 1 at 4:30 pm. Meeting adjourned at 5:40 pm. At that time, Task Force broke out into groups for initial Sub- Committee meetings.