Protesters weren’t enough to sway the majority of minds on the Salina City Commission Monday night. Despite getting opinions in three public forums, commissioners heard from both sides of the issue for nearly four hours before finally voting to approve an ordinance that will extend equal protection rights based on a person’s sexual identity or gender identification.
Nearly 200 people showed up at the Salina Community Theatre for Monday’s commission meeting. Some were opposed to the ordinance, quoting Bible verses and discussing the moral aspects of the issue. Others were in favor, including numerous Salina youth who chose to voice their opinions.
Vice-mayor Barb Shirley and commissioners Kaye Crawford and Aaron Householter all voted in favor of the ordinance. Mayor Norm Jennings and commissioner Samantha Angell cast the dissenting votes.
“If this prohibits one youth suicide, it will be worth all of this,” Crawford said. “I was elected to make decisions, and with God as my judge.”
The issue has been a hot-button topic in Salina since being brought before the city in February by the Kansas Equality Commission. It was recommended for approval by the city’s human relations commission prior to the official city vote.