A resolution aimed at promoting inclusivity in a small Alaska fishing community has been rejected after it proved too divisive.
The Homer City Council on Monday night voted 5-1 against the measure, which was aimed at affirming Homer’s commitment to inclusion amid national concerns about the treatment of immigrants, religious groups, the LGBTQ community and others.
In an interview Tuesday, council member Donna Aderhold said the resolution’s wording was unclear and that people took their own message from it. She said it isn’t good legislation if it’s ambiguous.
She joined with four others in voting it down, even though she personally agreed with what she saw as the measure’s aim to uphold human rights and “reaffirm that for individuals in this town who feel vulnerable at this time or at any time.”
The resolution stated that Homer would resist any efforts to profile “vulnerable populations” and reject any expressions of fear and hate.