The City of Kansas City, Mo. will hold a press conference on Monday, December 21 to announce the passage of Ordinance 200907 establishing Kansas City and Missouri’s first LGBTQ+ Commission.
The ordinance passed out of Council’s Legislative Session Thursday, December 17 during the last meeting of 2020. Co-Sponsored by Councilman Eric Bunch and Councilwoman Andrea Bough, this LGBTQ+ Commission was created in collaboration with over 60 local LGBTQ+ organizations providing feedback and recommendations to policy authors and advocates Justice Horn and Crissy Dastrup.
The City of Kansas City, Mo. created a formally-appointed Kansas City Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer Commission (LGBTQC), which will help broaden the perspectives of those presently serving in City government. The City values enacting legislation, policies, programs, procedures or administrative actions that advance social, economic and political equality for the LGBTQ+ community and believes incorporating those ideas will make the City a better place. The Commission will provide the LGBTQ+ Community the opportunity to play a productive role within the entire community and values the input of agencies and organizations who work on LGBTQ+ issues and has a desire to have such groups represented on the Commission.
“Ordinance 200907 passed in City Council establishing the first LGBTQ+ Commission ever in Missouri. I’m proud to have sponsored this historic legislation. The queer community spoke up to ask for more representation and I’m proud to say that City Council listened. Thank you Justice Horn and Crissy Dastrup for fighting for our disenfranchised communities and thanks to my colleagues, especially my co-sponsor Andrea Bough, Councilwoman who supported this.” said Councilman Bunch. “Atlanta saw out-of-state investment jump by 45% in the LGBTQ+ Community after they formed their Commission. The City benefits when we empower people to serve and advocate for their communities. When community members come to the table ready and willing with a clear vision and plan, asking to serve, we should embrace that. And yes, that means all communities.” said Crissy Dastrup.
“This is our opportunity to lead as a city, to have more voices at the table, and to work to make sure this community is safer for everyone - especially our queer communities of color. We don’t compromise on LGBTQIA+ representation and rights. Ever.” said Justice Horn.
“It was my honor to work with CM Bunch, Justice Horn and Crissy Dastrup to help craft this important ordinance. While Kansas City has taken many early steps to enact legislation to counter discrimination, we must ensure that those in the LGBTQ+ community not only have a voice in how we continue to shape legislation, but have a seat at the table when those decisions are made.” said Councilwoman Bough. “Our efforts to do so do not stop here. We must ensure that all those who feel marginalized and whose voices are not represented are heard and that our legislation and policy reflect equitable principles.”
