Monroe City Council votes to keep DEI committee, postpones decision on drag performance policy
City Hall had to open an overflow room to fit attendees
MONROE, N.C. (WBTV) - A packed city hall saw tense discussion, Tuesday night, as the Monroe City Council voted on two controversial issues: The potential removal of the city’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and a proposal to classify drag performances as adult entertainment.
DEI Committee Survives Vote
The DEI Committee, established in 2021, meets monthly and was created to promote diversity and inclusion within the community. However, city staff advised that under new federal mandates, local governments receiving federal funding must eliminate DEI-specific programs to remain compliant.
During the meeting, council members voted 4-3 against dissolving the committee, allowing it to remain in place despite concerns from some officials, including Mayor Robert Burns. The mayor argued that keeping the committee could jeopardize federal funding, particularly for the city’s airport.
Drag Show Discussion Delayed Until April
The second major issue of the evening—whether to designate drag performances as adult entertainment—drew a larger crowd. The proposal aimed to “provide clear enforcement mechanisms to prevent…Drag shows and other performances deemed adult-oriented in settings where minors may be present.”
However, the council voted 5-2 to table the discussion until April, delaying any decision. The postponement frustrated some attendees, including speaker Amelia Ball, who expressed disappointment that the council chose to wait another month before addressing the issue.
Community Voices Both Sides of Debate
Despite the delay, residents used the public comment period to voice passionate opinions both in support of and against restrictions on drag performances.
Some speakers argued that restricting drag performances is necessary to protect children.
“Is it not just common sense to not allow children and teenagers under the age of 18 to witness a drag performance at a restaurant, park, or bar?” one resident asked.
Others countered that the proposal lacked clear definitions and could unfairly target performers.
“Absent a crystal-clear definition of the term ‘drag,’ I don’t know if I as a gender non-conforming public performer will be subject to criminal penalties,” another speaker stated.
Additional comments ranged from concerns over morality to comparisons with other public performances.
What’s Next?
With the DEI Committee remaining intact, city leaders must now determine how to balance federal funding compliance with local policies. Meanwhile, the discussion on drag performances is set to continue in April, though the exact date has not been confirmed.
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