The Gillette City Council voted 4-3 to adopt the ordinance that was introduced by councilman Billy Montgomery. The debate on whether an ordinance of its kind was necessary proved to be a hotly divisive topic. Gillette now joins Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, and Jackson as communities in the Cowboy State that have them.
The Gillette City Council is currently debating whether or not to adopt a hate crime ordinance. It’s passed two of three readings since being introduced late last month. And it’s proven to be a hot topic. The council chamber is filled with residents earlier this month waiting to voice their opinions on the second reading of the hate crime ordinance. They’ve had to wait as the council conducted its regular business before hearing public comment on the issue. When they finally had the chance to speak some of the comments were heated.
The 4-3 vote on Tuesday evening comes after another 4-3 decision was tallied in favor of the proposed ordinance on May 2. Residents spoke on their support and opposition to it for around 90 minutes. Since it was introduced, over 110 residents have weighed in. The ordinance must pass a third reading if it's to be adopted.