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Vice President Kepple provided an overview of House Bill 245 and explained why its passage would harm the LGBTQIA+ community of Lakewood, such as the vague language and the attempt of legislators to police gender identity. She expressed that sometimes she feels that passing resolutions that aren’t changing laws can seem performative. However, she felt called to action after a drag performer implored people in positions of power to speak up and send a message that there is no place for this discrimination in our community. Councilmember Marx expressed her support of this resolution and shared that she was one of the supporters of the first Human Rights Ordinance in Lakewood and she can’t believe we are moving backwards rather than forwards since then. She expressed that Lakewood is a very accepting and liberal community and it’s important for our community to support the drag performers. Councilman Rader stated that the language is so broad, the way he reads the legislation, someone who was born male at birth but identifies as female could be charged with a felony for singing karaoke at a bar. He stated he believes this bill is a direct attack on the transgender community and it is appropriate for Council to be standing up for those members of our community. He implored Council to pass the legislation and do whatever they can to stop future types of legislative attacks. Councilmember Shachner stated that he echoes Vice President Kepple’s statement – and that it is important for people to know that we have their backs. He expressed that the whole bill is performative, and it would be extremely difficult and take a lot of resources to enforce the legislation in a court of law. He stated the minds of the General Assembly seem to be “in the gutter” and that the General Assembly should leave people alone. President Litten stated that nearly eight years ago he joined with Councilmember Marx on passing the Human Rights legislation and that although it feels like aspects of our state have regressed, Lakewood has not as evidenced by the work of his colleagues this evening. Councilmember Baker stated that in addition to everything else, the legislation is just bad policy, and it likely violates the first amendment of the constitution. Councilmember Bullock thanked his colleagues for bringing forth legislation that supports tolerance and inclusiveness. Public Comment: Cindy Strebig, 2066 Baxterly Ave. – Ms. Strebig thanked the Council and Mayor George for recognizing the queer community, allowing them to participate in the democratic process and to live authentically in Lakewood. She stated that the relentless attacks on the queer community must stop. She said that Council’s action today sends a clear message that our community is listening and will not accept these attacks on our family, neighbors and friends. Shamus Dickenson, The Winchester Tavern – Mr. Dickenson stated that he has been a drag performer for many years within Lakewood and it warms his heart to hear Councilmembers 6