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History in Nebraska: Lincoln Council Has Three Out Members, Gay Chair
James Michael Bowers is the first out council chair, and Sändra Washington and Tom Beckius provide additional LGBTQ+ representation. May 18 2021 3:29 PM EDT
The Lincoln City Council: seated, from left: Tammy Ward, Richard Meginnis, and Jane Raybould; standing, from left, Sändra Washington, Bennie Shobe, James Michael Bowers, and Tom Beckius.
LGBTQ+ history has been made in the capital city of Nebraska.
After Monday’s swearing-in of new Lincoln City Council members, three of the seven members are drawn from the LGBTQ+ community, and one of them was elected council chair, the first out official in that position.
“This is a tremendous victory for the LGBTQ youth of Lincoln, and we hope it will encourage the passage of similar protections throughout the rest of the Cornhusker State,” Troy
KLKN-TV
Almost five hours of testimony followed the second reading of the proposed ordinance.
February 8, 2021 10:25 pm
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) –Hours of testimony followed the second reading of a potential city ordinance that looks to ban conversion therapy.
It was introduced by Councilmen James Michael Bowers who said he has heard many stories from those who have been through conversion therapy and heard their pain. Michael Bowers stated there are still places in Lincoln that practice conversion therapy and he wants to put a stop to it.
Specifically, the ordinance targets youth hoping to eliminate someone trying to change a minor’s sexual orientation or gender identity though any counseling, practice or treatment directed at reducing or eliminating sexual or romantic attraction toward a person of the same gender.
KLKN-TV
Council votes to postpone discussion on ending Lincoln mayor’s emergency powers
The Lincoln City Council was split Monday on whether to table a discussion about ending Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird s emergency powers.
January 11, 2021 5:17 pm
Gaylor Baird declared a state of emergency in March related to the coronavirus pandemic.
The declaration was approved the same day by the City Council, which also approved an extension beyond the 72-hours allowed by city code.
Councilman Bennie Shobe said he thinks there’s confusion among Lincoln residents about what the emergency declaration allows the mayor to do.
“We tend to see people in our community confusing the power of the DHM and the federal funding,” he said. “I was hoping for a public hearing so we could teach the public the difference. The emergency declaration doesn’t affect the DHM and most people don’t understand that.”