Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison started Wednesday’s council meeting by issuing an apology for not maintaining an inclusive and safe environment during the previous council meeting.
The apology comes after a member of the public made anti-LGBTQ+ remarks during the June 28 council meeting.
During public comments, a Quinte West resident complained about the city having pride flags showing, and went on to deny the existence of transgender persons.
After it was brought to council’s attention that the resident’s three minute allotted time was up, the resident complained that other presenters had been allowed to go over three minutes. The resident was allowed to continue for two more minutes before he was stopped.
Mayor Harrison apologized for permitting the resident to make those comments in the council chambers.
“By not addressing these comments at the time I did not demonstrate the city’s values and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion,” said Mayor Harrison. “I will continue to learn from this experience and work to ensure council meetings maintain the principles of dignity and respect for all people.”
Mayor Harrison committed to enforcing the three minute time limit for public comments, and reiterated the rules for the public surrounding public comment section of council meetings.
Later in the meeting, during public input, several members of the community also spoke out in support of LGBTQ residents, and thanked Mayor Harrison for the apology.
