Public comment at Northglenn meeting draws sharp rebuke after anti-LGBTQ remarks

During the public-comment portion of the City Council meeting on May 11, Chris Baum of Ward 4 criticized prior municipal recognition of Pride/Bridal Month and urged officials not to spend taxpayer money on Pride materials. Baum called the celebration "a huge waste of taxpayer money," linked homosexuality to disease and decline, and suggested other controversial examples (polygamy, cannibalism) — remarks that several councilors later described as offensive.

Council members responded in communications. Council Member Burns said Pride remains important because some people continue to lose rights in other states and "it's really still important to highlight pride, especially if someone took the time to come out and speak against it." Council Member Nowicki cited research about higher rates of depression and suicide among LGBTQ youth and said public affirmation "saves lives." Mayor Meredith Leidy called the remarks "very difficult to listen to" and reaffirmed the council’s commitment to an inclusive community: "We stand by having an inclusive community where everyone feels like they belong."

The exchange occurred in the context of multiple proclamations (AANHPI Heritage Month, Mental Health Awareness Month and others) the council endorsed earlier in the meeting.