The Truth Staff
For the ninth year, the Gay Pride flag was raised at One Government Center as city and county leaders praised this area’s acceptance of diversity, the commitment residents have shown to love each other and the pledge to fight for the principles Toledoans believe in.
Pride, love and respect for each other was the message of the day as the area’s elected officials reaffirmed their commitment to equality and diversity.
“We do this for one solid good reason, because Toledo is a welcoming place,” said Toledo City Councilman Nick Komives as he opened the flag raising event. “It doesn’t matter what your background is, we want you to thrive, we want you to live here, we want you to succeed.”
Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz reinforced that theme as he spoke of the importance of love. “I don’t know anyone who thinks that the problem with this world is that there is too much love,” he said and then quoted the John Lennon/Beatles song, “All You Need Is Love.”
“I’m proud of this community,” said Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken as he spoke of the many years he has witnessed the area’s commitment to equal rights and that commitment to continue fighting for equal rights should it become necessary.
“I stand here proudly with the members of our community – we’re not going backwards, not backing down. We stand with each other and, if we have to, we are going to fight like hell,” said Gerken.
That message was echoed by his fellow commissioners Lisa Sobecki and Anita Lopez, who not only expressed a willingness to stand by the gay community but also observed that it was a wonderful opportunity to be able to do so.
Two consequential amendments to the Ohio constitution will soon be voted on by the Ohio General Assembly. One is an equal rights amendment, the second is a right to marry amendment – in case the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the Obergfell decision which provided federal protection for same sex marriages.
