City of Brawley to recognize pride month fails

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - A Brawley city council member proposed to officially recognize June as pride month, but the motion did not pass.

Although pride month is recognized across the country and in some parts of Imperial County, the city of Brawley denied officially June as pride month after some locals said it wasn't fair to focus on just one group of people.

Brawley City Council Member Gil Rebollar brought the motion to the city council meeting but not all residents agreed. 

“There were many residents who voiced their concerns and I respect, as I said this was not for anything political but my convictions are to ensure that the LGBT community are heard and seen and acknowledged that they do exist in the city of Brawley," stated Rebollar.

They argued that if June was recognized as pride month, other national celebrations should be officially recognized in the city too.

"If one belief system is giving special public celebration over others it will be hypocritical to not allow other belief systems to be celebrated publicly as well," said Xavier Hendrix, Brawley resident.

Other residents who were against the proposal expressed their religious beliefs.

“And I take a look at what gay pride celebrates does not line up god’s word and therefore I can not support this motion and I urge you not to support it also,” said Larry Cox, Brawley resident.

But there were also people in favor of the proposal, like Calexico Mayor Raul Ureña who is the first transgender mayor in Imperial County.

"Brawley is the city. The hometown of Marilyn Cazares who was a transgender woman, who was murdered within city limits and became such an important case to the LGBT community. I had to be there in support of the LGBT people of Brawley who are probably too afraid to come out to the meeting," said Calexico Mayor Raul Ureña.       

Although the motion did not pass, Rebollar said bringing awareness to the topic is still important.