By Shereen Siewert
Marathon County is one step closer to declaring June as “Pride Month,” after the county’s Extension, Education and Economic Development Committee on Tuesday passed the resolution by a vote of 5-2.
The group heard from a number of residents prior to deliberating on the issue. The majority of public comment was in favor of the declaration, which seeks to recognize the rights of all citizens in Marathon County regardless of age, gender identity, race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical challenges.
Committee members had a lengthy discussion about the issue before voting. Marathon County Board Member Sara Guild recommended an amendment that would change the designation to “inclusivity month,” but that suggestion was rejected. Guild was one of two committee members who voted against the resolution; Rick Seefeldt was the other member who registered a “no” vote.
Board Member Romey Wagner compared the plight of the LGBT community to that of left-handed people who were bullied in school. Ultimately, he voted to support the resolution, which seeks to recognize the rights of all citizens in Marathon County regardless of age, gender identity, race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical challenges. A Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law report that shows 3.8 percent of Wisconsin residents identify as LGBT, which makes the group one of the largest minority/marginalized groups in the county.
Stevens Point passed a similar resolution on Monday.
The county board will vote on the measure Tuesday during a 7 p.m. meeting at the Marathon County Courthouse, 500 Forest St., Wausau.
