There was an emotional debate around the Prince Edward County council horseshoe about the Pride movement and how to show support Tuesday night.
Councillor Lenny Epstein made a motion to have council declare July 17 – 23 Pride Week in the county and to also have the Pride rainbow logo shown on the county website as part of its social media profile picture during the month of July.
While nobody had a problem with declaring Pride Week, there was debate surrounding the rainbow on the municipal website and on social media postings.
Councillor Kevin Gale thought that the move would set a precedent and that many other organizations would soon be asking for similar treatment.
His position received some support, but eventually two thirds of council (Janice Maynard absent) voted to support the entire motion as originally proposed.
Most believed it was important that municipal leaders publicly and proudly show support for the LGBTQ community.
Voting in favour of the motion, including the rainbow logo on the website and on social media, were councillors Forrester, Fox, Graham, Hull, Pennell, Roberts, Dunlop, Epstein, and Ferguson, along with Mayor Quaiff.
Voting against the Pride logo on the website and on social media posts were councillors Gale, Harrison, Neiman, O’Brien, and Turpin.
There was a smattering of applause at the conclusion of the vote.
