Just two months following his election, a North Kansas City councilman is under pressure to resign or even be removed by voters after his comments angered many in the LGBTQ community and its allies.
The Kansas City Star reports Council member Wesley Graves has faced criticism for his comments linking LGBTQ sexual identity with pedophilia or satanism.
"Once you go down this road, where do you draw the line?" Graves allegedly said. "I mean, you could start bringing up pedophilia, Satan worshipers, etc. And once a city endorses something like this, we are talking about literally approaching places of worship and businesses as a city and having them make this pledge. And I don't think this has any place in our city."
Although Graves apologized, many leaders in Kansas City condemned his remarks.
Even the mayor has doubted Graves should continue representing the district and the the diverse residents he represents. Members of a city committee tasked with increasing diversity and inclusion in North Kansas City want action taken, and haven’t ruled out a recall. There have been posts on social media calling for him to leave office.
“I think what he did was divisive. And it was insulting. And it’s the kind of derogatory thing that increases hate. And I don’t think that has any place in any government, let alone a town of 5,000 people where we all literally know each other," said City Council member Lisa Tull, 2nd Ward.