Request to terminate Downers Grove Pride month sparks debate
Scott Richards stepped to the podium during the public comment portion of Tuesday’s Downers Grove Village Council meeting and wasted little time expressing his anger and displeasure.
“I’m a gay man. I’m also a veteran. Four years in the Air Force. What I heard tonight is insulting,” said Richards, a Downers Grove resident.
What upset Richards were comments made moments earlier by people asking the council to no longer proclaim June as Pride month in the village.
The village has issued the proclamation for the past 4 years.
“I just sat there, and I was stunned,” Richards said. “I’m insulted, and I’m ashamed of the community that feels that way.”
The request was made by resident Eileen Bryner, who said the proclamation “caters to only one genre of thought on sexuality and gender.”
“Pride month is elevated, but (there is) no comparable monthlong celebration for Christian perspectives on family, marriage or biological reality,” Bryner said.
“The village is, in effect, discriminating against most everyone else.”
Bryner said opposing the proclamation is not tantamount to hatred or discrimination against an individual.
“The issue is not people. It’s government using its official voice and our public resources to celebrate and promote one set of ideas while sidelining all others,” she said.
Bryner argued that Pride celebrations can be detrimental to children because they are drawn to bright colors, rainbows and parades but cannot “comprehend complex debates about gender ideology or adult sexual politics.”
Resident Laura Hois, a Republican candidate for state representative, said Downers Grove has become known as a “lightning rod for pride.”
“It has gone too far in the community,” Hois said.
“The Pride movement in the schools, in the libraries, in the village has become very divisive and we’ve suffered from it for the last several years,” she added.
Resident Gloria Walsh-Rock spoke in support of the Pride month proclamation and celebration.
“I think it is necessary that all of the people, families, children in this village are recognized and their rights are celebrated and that they are protected,” she said. “So I appreciate what the village has done, and I hope you continue to do that.”
Resident Marge Mark said the Pride celebration should not elicit concern.
“I am proud transgender parent. I am very grateful and happy that Downers Grove is not scared to honor June as Pride month. It doesn’t take anything away from anyone else,” Mark said.