The Management council policy (LSO)

Published on: by Admin Category:LSO

Update: The Management council policy failed by one vote. Thank you for getting involved.

Proposed Policy see below:

The Management Council of the Wyoming Legislature is attempting to insert sexual orientation and gender identity as a protected class into their policies. If successful their inclusion could result in any disapproval of this lifestyle being considered as a discriminatory act or harassment. Complaints can be lodged by anyone to include the media, lobbyists, and the general public. A substantiated allegation could result in removal from office.

This policy would preclude legislators from arguing against anything associated with LGBTQIA+++ Community. Therefore when any legislation is presented during the Legislative Session or during a Legislative Committee, legislators would essentially be gagged from arguing against Pro-LGBTQIA+++ bills. This would result in a one-sided debate and you potentially being denied representation.

In addition to being denied representation, this policy will likely be used to set the foundation for legislation that would be used to deny Wyoming residents their religious rights as has been done in Colorado, Iowa, Massachusetts and several other states. Also the terms “sexual orientation and gender identity” are not defined in the Management Council’s Policies. However, the term sexual orientation continues to morph into ever increasing numbers. The term defines who you are attracted to and can actually be as numerous as there are people. Sexual orientation includes the terms pan-sexual, demi-sexual, pedophiliac, lesbian, gay, trans, intersex, nonbinary, etc. I’m sure you can see the confusion and the problem with sanctioning “sexual orientation” as a protected class.

Members of the Joint Management Council are:
  • Senators: Bebout, Hastert, Perkins, Peterson, Rothfus, and Von Flatern
  • Representatives: Burkhart, Byrd, Connolly, Freeman, Greear, Harshman, Miller
This policy will be heard and discussed by the Management Council on Wednesday (5 December) at approximately 1:30 PM in the Jonah Building, Room L54 (3001 E. Pershing Blvd). Members of the general public will be allowed to testify.
These are the current members of the Management Council:
  • Eli Bebout (R) S26 Fremont (307) 856-0375 Eli.Bebout@wyoleg.gov (chairman)
  • Steve Harshman (R) H37 Natrona (307) 262-8075 Steve.Harshman@wyoleg.gov (vice Chairman)
  • Don Burkhart, Jr. (R) H31 Carbon County (307) 321-7074 Donald.Burkhart@wyoleg.gov
  • Mike Greear (R) H27 Big Horn, Washakie (307) 388-3399 Mike.Greear@wyoleg.gov
  • David Miller (R) H55 Fremont (307) 857-5789 David.Miller@wyoleg.gov
  • Cathy Connollly (D) H13 Albany (307) 399-0482 (she is probably the chief advocates for the SOGI language)
  • John Freeman (D) H60 Sweetwater (307) 875-7378 (he is likely opposed to removing the SOGI language)
  • Drew Perkins (R)S29 Natrona (307) 234-1274 ‘Drew.Perkins@wyoleg.gov’
  • Michael VonFlattern (R) S24 Campbell (307) 680-4744 ‘Michael.VonFlatern@wyoleg.gov’
  • Chris Rothfuss (D) S09 Albany (307) 399-3556 (he is likely opposed to removing the SOGI language)
  • John Hastert (D) S13 Sweetwater (307) 871-1001 (he is likely opposed to removing the SOGI language)
At least two members were not re-elected in November and will be replaced in January.
  • James Byrd (D) lame duck H44 Laramie (307) 996-7758 (he is likely opposed to removing the SOGI language)
  • Ray Petersen (R) lame duck Big Horn, Park (307) 548-6405 ‘Ray.Peterson@wyoleg.gov’

Management council is voting on this policy today. If this policy is enacted, I will not sign it. I was elected to represent for my constituents, not management council. Call or email these Senators and Representatives and let them know your thoughts.