At the March meeting councillors voted unanimously to establish an LGBTIQA advisory committee, but a notice of motion brought forward by Cr Sam Spinks later in the meeting proved divisive.
Cr Spinks’ motion called for a report into installing a permanent ‘Rainbow Footpath’ at a public location within the municipality and to permanently fly the LGBTIQA rainbow flag from council office buildings.
The report would also include promotion of and public acknowledgement of LGBTIQA annual days of celebration and significance including Transgender Visibility Day, International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia, LGBT Pride Month and International Non-Binary People's Day.
In a passionate speech Cr Spinks said the motion was at the request of diverse communities.
“They are the people who this motion is for and I am proud to put this motion forward on their behalf,” she said.
“We must make informed decisions and this report will allow us to do that.”
However, councillors who had earlier joined the vote to establish an advisory committee thought it should do the work.
“By supporting this motion, I believe we devalue the relevance of this committee, particularly one that has just been formed,” Cr Shane Sali said.
Cr Sali had support from other councillors including Cr Geoff Dobson, who was obviously uncomfortable about appearing not to support the LGBTIQA community.
“I’m sitting here not wanting to do this,” he said, before explaining that he had no objection to the proposal.
“The advisory committee will have expertise, we need that input.
“As much as I like the idea, I think the better idea is to go through the committee.”
Cr Spinks said the actions to be investigated were not controversial and were supported by the LGBTIQA community, and argued council was missing an opportunity to show leadership.
Cr Fern Summer also supported the motion.
“Traditionally we have been quite a conservative council, I am excited about this,” she said.
“Even these public discussions are helping to remove the stigma.”
Cr Spinks said seeing the flag flying or supportive social media posts would have a positive impact on members of a vulnerable community.
“They will know that they are welcome in Greater Shepparton, that they are seen, they are heard, and they are supported,” she said.
The motion was lost five votes to four.
Councillors Spinks, Summer, Seema Abdullah and Rob Priestly were in favour; councillors Sali, Dobson, Anthony Brophy, Greg James and Mayor Kim O’Keeffe were against.
