Tulsa City Council Divided On Resolution Addressing Inclusiveness

A resolution on inclusion divided the Tulsa City Council Wednesday, when it was discussed publicly for the first time.

The resolution, designating Tulsa as a “safe, inclusive, and welcoming community” led to an hour-long discussion on whether such a statement needed to be made.

The four councilors who proposed it, all women, cited fear among the LGBTQ community, in particular, as a reason to go on record as being supportive of all people.

The resolution mentions sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, among other characteristics, as people who should expect compassionate treatment in Tulsa.

Several Councilors reported they have received many emails about the resolution, mainly opposing it.

They will continue to receive public comment by email on the resolution, in addition, to comments allowed during the debate on the resolution scheduled for March 1.

Councilors Jeannie Cue and Christian Bengal both said they opposed the resolution, without offering any changes to language as written, with both saying it wasn’t needed without much elaboration.

Councilor Laura Bellis argued for it, saying constituents have expressed concern over how national and state political cultural battles will impact them here.

Councilor Christa Patrick, who has publicly identified herself as bisexual and pagan, said the non-binding resolution was simply a reminder.

"So, this is just a reminder and sometimes as humans, we need reminders to be kind, to everyone,” she said.