Genesee County commissioners add, then adopt resolution recognizing June 2025 as Pride Month after hours of public comment

The Genesee County Board of Commissioners voted 6–3 May 28 to add to the agenda and then adopt a resolution acknowledging June 2025 as Pride Month in the county.

The vote came after a lengthy public-comment period in which more than 70 people addressed the board, most urging commissioners to reconsider a 2–2 committee vote the prior week that left the resolution from Commissioner Dale Weyhill from moving forward.

Supporters said the resolution is a low-cost gesture of inclusion. “Providing celebration for one group does not take from any other,” said Megan Ropeta, a resident of Flushing Township and community lead, who addressed the board with her children present. “I urge you today to … allow the committee a chance to consider moving the Pride Month resolution forward.”

Opponents said proclamations about identity groups are outside the proper work of county government. “I do not believe that any of these resolutions belong at the county level of government,” said Commissioner Flavellian, who explained that he would vote against similar resolutions going forward because, he said, the board should focus on fiscal stewardship and core county business.

The motion to add the item was made by Commissioner Doctor Brown and supported by Commissioner Winfrey; the roll call on that motion was Lloyd (yes), Winfrey (yes), Gutzinger (no), Brown (yes), Avery (yes), Shoemaker (no), Cousineau (yes), Weyhill (yes), Flewelling (no). After debate on the full resolution — which cites the Declaration of Independence and the Fourteenth Amendment and characterizes Pride as a worldwide June observance — the board approved the resolution by the same 6–3 margin.

Commissioner Dale Weyhill, who authored the resolution in previous years, framed the vote as part of a broader civic tradition. “My avocation and my vocation since I was a kid has been to focus on this country,” Weyhill said during debate. He urged the board to send a signal to county residents who have been excluded that “they too belong.”

Several supporters stressed the resolution has no direct budgetary impact. Jude Kraniak, a resident and transgender constituent, told commissioners the measure “requires no cost to taxpayers and no money to come out of your pockets.” Others cited public-health research showing supportive communities reduce risks for LGBTQ youth.

Opponents emphasized legal and procedural concerns, with some citing federal funding rules and expressing that government bodies should remain neutral when endorsing identity-based observances. Commissioner Shoemaker, while voicing respect for speakers on both sides, said disagreement on policy does not mean personal animus. “Just because I disagree with you doesn’t mean I hate you,” he said.

The decision followed an unusually long public-comment period including young speakers, clergy, students, business and civic leaders, social workers and parents. Several speakers connected the resolution to economic development and talent attraction; Dylan Luna, a senior attraction manager at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, said inclusive communities attract employers and workers.

The board’s action places Genesee County among local governments that mark June as Pride Month. The resolution encourages residents and organizations who wish to celebrate to “do so proudly” but does not direct any county funding or create new programs. The resolution text explicitly cites the county’s nondiscrimination policy and national constitutional language as context.

The board completed other business after the vote, including routine committee reports and a presentation on the Genesee Health System millage. The Pride resolution’s passage was the most contested single item of the evening and drew the largest turnout to the commission chambers, with dozens lining up for public comment and many more watching online.

Looking ahead, some commissioners said they expect continued debate about whether identity-based proclamations belong at the county level. Commissioner Flavellian said he will vote against similar resolutions going forward; other commissioners said they see such proclamations as part of an inclusive economic and civic strategy.