OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. — The Ottawa County Board enacted the resolution called Protect Childhood Innocence with a 9-2 vote. Several commissioners expressed frustration with the county health department's involvement in Grand Haven's first Pride Festival, prompting the passing of this resolution just a week later.
During the meeting, Ottawa County Vice-Chairperson Sylvia Rhodea stated, "I said over 50 different flags are flown under the LGBTQ+ flag, which groups may fall under the plus examples include furries, those who dress as furry animals and may use litter boxes, polyamory also known as polygamy, bestiality, and pedophiles or M.A.P.S., minor attracted persons."
After the meeting, FOX 17 approached Rhodea for comment on the resolution, but she declined to provide one.
The resolution, as emphasized by Moss, underscores the county's duty to protect children. County documents indicated that no county staff or resources would support, normalize, or encourage the sexualization of children and youth through activities, programs, events, content, or institutions.
Commissioners Doug Zylstra and Roger Bergman were the only two who voted against the resolution. They voiced their opposition, expressing concerns about its vagueness and the need for clarity. Zylstra argued for a specific list of events.
During the discussion, Bergman criticized the resolution, stating, "This resolution is wrong on so many fronts, and for any of you to vote yes on this is a slap in the face of parents who do not conform with your beliefs. Any of you who campaigned on parental rights, by supporting this resolution, you are advocating for taking them away."
