Bowling Green City Commission incumbent Sue Parrigin recently filed to run for reelection. In her role as chair of the Barren River Area Crisis Services Transportation Committee, she has pushed for construction of a mental health center in Bowling Green. While I support more mental health services in the area, such services should be provided to ALL residents of our community – including members of our LGBT community.

Commissioner Parrigin has voted multiple times against the Fairness Ordinance, which would protect LGBT residents from discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations.

The refusal of city commissioners to enact this legislation makes Bowling Green Kentucky’s largest city without a Fairness Ordinance. There are 24 communities that have stood up to protect LGBT people in Kentucky. Research has shown repeatedly that discrimination is correlated with depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions. If Commissioner Parrigin is truly interested in the mental health of her constituents, the least she could do is vote for this anti-discrimination legislation.

Otherwise, her alleged interest in community mental health issues appears grounded in election politics and reeks of political hypocrisy.

Dale Smith

Bowling Green