Leon County commissioners approve human relations advisory committee

Leon County commissioners approve human relations advisory committee

By Will Brown
Democrat Staff Writer

Leon County commissioners have given approval to create a human relations advisory committee.

Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community waited hours Tuesday night before the topic was addressed.

But while the committee got approval, commissioners were quick to note this committee will not focus solely on the lesbian, gay, bisexsual and transgender concerns.

It was an idea broached by Commissioner John Dailey at the June 9 meeting and he was the person who made the motion to establish the board. Commissioners will nominate names to serve on the board at a later date.

This committee was formed to provide commissioners suggestions for people who may be under represented before the governing body.

“This advisory board would be an important step in giving a voice to a significant number of people in this country who do not have a voice,” said Jeff Peters, a local attorney who has worked on human relations issues within the LGBT community.

Commissioner Bob Rackleff said this is something that has great meaning to him from a personal and public policy level as a member as his son is gay. He supported the motion and mentioned that the move to develop a human relations advisory council is just the beginning.

“It pains me to know that he is a second-class citizen in Florida, and in this community,” Rackleff said. “I would like to make sure he does not have to suffer long from discrimination.”