A Whitefish City Council proclamation recognizing June as Pride Month caused a number of people to voice opposition.

The proclamation encourages all residents to seek to eliminate injustice wherever it exists and work together to create a more inclusive society. It was suggested by Councilor Rebecca Norton and supported by five of the six councilors, with Councilor Giuseppe Caltabiano voting against it at a previous Council meeting. 

Ten of the 15 people commenting at last week’s Council meeting – some from outside of the city – spoke against the proclamation, with a few suggesting it was an “un-American” and “wicked proclamation.”  

Many told the Council that it needs to repent. 

“We are passing a resolution saying that we are highly supportive of this particular thing that scripture clearly refers to as a sin,” said Larry Lautaret, a Flathead Valley pastor. “This proclamation is ... clearly a public opposition to the Christian faith and to the Bible ... and to the one God ..." 

He said it was a “bad look” to call out one part of society based solely on its “sexual proclivities” and asked if the Council would support an incest or bestiality pride month. 

The presence of children in the Council chambers did not stop opposed community members from using explicit sexual imagery that caused some adults in the audience to flinch. 

Speaking in support of the proclamation, Whitefish resident Kevin McDowell said he and his family want everyone to feel included. After telling the audience they should come to a housing meeting, McDowell said, “Put some glitter on your face and go to a pride event because it’s pretty damn fun.” 

During councilor comments, Councilor Steve Qunell, a public school teacher, said the proclamation did not place one identity over another. He said it acknowledges that some people are treated differently and added that the source of much of the "unfortunate blowback” comes from people with certain religious values. 

He said the First Amendment created a wall between church and state, so it is improper to ask the city to abide by Christian theology. 

Qunell quoted statistics from a recent Youth Risk Behavior Study, which is given to high school students annually. It sites higher instances of bullying and feelings of being unsafe at school for LGBTQ+ students.  

“[The proclamation] acknowledges a targeted part of our community and it does no harm to anyone. No one,” Qunell said. “If you feel harmed by this, I challenge you to do the most Christian thing you possibly can, which is walk a mile in one of these kid’s shoes.” 

Reporter Julie Engler can be reached at 406-862-3505 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at whitefishpilot.com/support.