Whenever the Republican party reclaims power in a place, they remove rights and protections for people. How the Hell does that help people? It doesn't. Now, in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, a town I have visited- the newly elected Republican City Council has voted to ERASE LGBTQ non-discrimination protections. Following outrage by a PA Democratic legislator is the article about the bunch of IDIOTS that have taken protections away from LGBT People. Here's the list of Idiots: IDIOT #1 Bill Everly, Council vice president IDIOT #2- Larry Hensley IDIOT #3 - Allen Coffman, in the first ward IDIOT #4- Weston Waytow in the fifth ward. IDIOT #5 - Tom Newcomer, second ward IDIOT#6 - Dom Brown IDIOT #7 - Ken Hock, Mayor ****** STORY>>>
PA REP Brian Sims (D) said, "Chambersburg Council repealing their LGBTQ+ nondiscrimination protections was a dangerous step backward. Time and time again we are reminded that a patchwork of local anti-discrimination laws is no solution to ensuring equality across the commonwealth, only robust and stable statewide protections can do that. Protecting the rights of all citizens is one of our most basic responsibilities, and I am continually disappointed by my colleagues’ failure to stand up for their LGBTQ+ constituents’ rights. It’s time to do the right thing and pass the Fairness Act."
GOP-led Chambersburg becomes first Pa. town to revoke LGBTQ inclusive law
By Ivey DeJesus | idejesus@pennlive.com /Updated: Jan. 25, 2022, 12:04 p.m.
A Republican majority on the Chambersburg Borough Council on Monday revoked the town's LGBTQ inclusive law.
Chambersburg on Monday became the first municipal authority in the commonwealth to repeal protections for residents against discrimination based on their sexual orientation, ethnicity or gender identity.
By a 7-3 Republican-majority vote, the Chambersburg Borough Council made good on its pledge, repealing the ordinance citing a host of reasons, including redundancy in the ordinance and lack of muscle in its provisions.
The ordinance, enacted just four months ago in October by a then Democratic majority, extended protections against discrimination toward gay, transgender or genderqueer people in employment, housing and public accommodations.
IDIOT #1 Council vice president Bill Everly - “We are a very diverse community,” said council vice president Bill Everly, a lifelong resident. “For that reason I don’t understand why we need to have special protections for people. I think by creating special protections for people we open the door for other protections for other people. I think we need to come together and not divide us. I think this would divide us.”
IDIOT #2- Council member Larry Hensley - In explaining his opposition to the ordinance, council member Larry Hensley shared his experience of running a ranch in Louisiana and having a cross burned in his front yard after hiring a Black couple.
“I’ve seen discrimination,” he said. “I‘m not for discrimination. God told us to love everyone but I believe this ordinance will cause more havoc than it’s going to help.”
For more than three hours, council heard the impassioned pleas from scores of borough residents, overwhelmingly speaking out in support for the ordinance. Only a few borough residents spoke in favor of repeal.
Some visibly overcome with emotion, resident after resident implored council members to keep intact the ordinance citing a litany of personal challenges faced as members of the LGBTQ community, while others spoke about the stain on the reputation of the borough if repealed.
“It feels like we are going backwards,” said Kierstin Stockum, a borough resident. “This is just protecting somebody. Why would we not want that as a community? A repeal says we not welcoming to anybody whether LGBTQ or not. It’s saying we discriminate here. Why would we want to send that message?” In repealing the ordinance Chambersburg became the first among 70 Pa. municipalities that have enacted LGBTQ inclusive laws to revoke it. Other municipalities include Gettysburg, Shippensburg, Camp Hill, Carlisle and Harrisburg.
Councilwoman Kathy Leedy chided council saying the repeal would leave a “black mark on Chambersburg.”
“You will rebrand Chambersburg,” she said. “This rebranding is a very serious thing. Once a person loses a reputation, it’s very difficult to get that reputation back. It’s the same with communities. We will be the first and only town to have a non-discrimination ordinance rescinded. You cannot rescind that once you do it. This is government taking rights away. That is very, very serious.”
Leedy echoed the arguments made by some borough residents that the repeal would be bad for the business sector.
The newly installed conservative majority has leaned on the idea of a voter mandate for repeal of an ordinance that was extensively vetted and researched last year.
IDIOT #3 - Allen Coffman, a Republican and newly installed borough council president, downplayed the idea that the borough would distinguish itself negatively among the other municipalities.
“There are what 956 boroughs in the state of Pennsylvania? Or is it 965?” he said. “You draw your own conclusion as to why those other folks haven’t done the same.”
Alice Elia, a Democrat and former borough president, made a last-ditch effort to table the motion to allow council to further explore ways of addressing concerns about the ordinance, namely provisions for mediation and creation a special commission tasked with hearing complaints.
“We have a duty to protect,” she said. “Removing that protection not only sends a sad message but it’s a step backwards. It’s disappointing. It’s disheartening and it’s a dangerous message.”
Elia noted that council members had been swamped with emails and messages from residents spreading misinformation about the ordinance, including that it would infringe on religious freedoms.
“All those things are incorrect. They are not true,” she said.
Coffman noted that the motion had already been seconded.
Council member John Huber suggested voters would have another opportunity to change the makeup of council.
“I don’t hate LGBTQ people,” he said. “I don’t hate anybody but I don’t like the ordinance. It has no teeth. I ‘m tired of all this. This is the second time. You all get a chance to vote in November and you can decide how to change council then.”
Members on the 10-seat panel serve four-year terms; every two years half of the council is up for re-election.
IDIOT #1 - Mayor Kenneth Hock, a Republican newly elected, issued a proclamation mirroring the ordinance. The proclamation called on all borough residents and visitors to reject bigotry and discrimination against all individuals in all settings, including employment and housing. The proclamation called on residents and visitors to be treated with “respect and dignity.”
“That is what we come up with,” Hock said. “I hope that helps. I know I‘m trying to find a happy medium.”
Among those who spoke in person and via Zoom were teachers, faith leaders, mental health providers, veterans, parents and business owners, their concerns ranging from the real impact to vulnerable lives to a brain drain in the borough as a result of an exodus of young people, if repealed.
Dawn Abraham, a high school teacher and cosponsor of the gay-straight alliance, noted that the LGBTQ population at Chambersburg High School had grown exponentially in recent years.
“Kids are reporting being bullied, being pushed down the stairs, barked at and called multiple expletives,” she said. “By pulling support for this you are showing our community that you don’t support the school children in the community.”
Pastor Scott Bowerman implored council to “put aside politics for a moment and remember that we are talking about real flesh and blood human beings.”
“Put aside your desire to score political points and remember these are people. They are worthy of love, compassion and protection. Don’t repeal this,” he said.
More than 165 borough residents tuned into the meeting via Zoom. Scores more packed into council chambers, while others stood outside in the hallway. Several police officers were on duty throughout the meeting.
Elia vowed to continue fighting for the borough.
“I’m saddened and disappointed in this outcome,” she said. “I will not stop working to create a community that welcomes, supports, and accepts all people.”
This story was updated to include Mayor Hock’s comments.
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