A Pride Month proclamation in Cedar Falls, Iowa 

In April 2023, the Cedar Falls (Iowa) Human Rights Commission drafted a proclamation calling for June to be declared Pride Month. The proclamation was sent to the city council for its approval at its May 1 meeting. Two days prior to the meeting, Mayor Rob Green made a public statement, saying that his Christian faith would not allow him to sign the proclamation as marriage is between a man and a woman. However, the city council could pass the proclamation without his signature.

One hundred people showed up at the city council meeting to support the proclamation. Thirty of us testified in favor. Some of the mayor’s neighbors said they were shocked that he would oppose Pride Month. Some called for his resignation since he could not support all the residents of Cedar Falls. Others spoke about the separation of church and state. There was passionate testimony.

The council approved the proclamation by a vote of 5-2, and Mayor Green said he would sign it even though it did not change his beliefs. June is Pride Month in Cedar Falls.

The same cannot be said for the state of Iowa, however. In this past legislative session, 31 anti-LGBTQ bills were proposed and four passed. The Human Rights Campaign has declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ people. We must do what we can for justice and human rights in our local communities.