Councilman Matt Brown, one of five council members to vote against the declaration, emphasizes the importance of maintaining the council’s focus on its core responsibilities and fostering unity within the community

YAKIMA – In a first for the city of Yakima, members of the City Council voted against recognizing the (now annual) Pride Declaration. In response to the vote, Councilman Matt Brown, one of five council members to vote against the declaration, emphasizes the importance of maintaining the council’s focus on its core responsibilities and fostering unity within the community. 

“As a member of the Yakima City Council, I believe our government functions best when we prioritize our primary responsibilities: public safety, infrastructure, roads, and the overall quality of life for our residents,” said Councilman Brown.

Focus on responsibilities 

Brown expressed that celebrating individual sexual identities falls outside the scope of city government responsibilities. 

“Our duty is to ensure that essential services are maintained and that we address critical issues such as crime, homelessness, housing affordability, and the cost of living,” he said. 

Focus on shared values and culture 

Highlighting the divisive nature of the Pride Declaration within the community, Brown stated, “We must focus on celebrating our community’s shared values and culture. Building positive relationships and addressing real problems should be our priority. Pride, as it stands, has proven to be a source of division rather than unity.”

Focus on individual liberty

“I cannot support the Pride proclamation as it conflicts with my core beliefs and those of many Yakima citizens,’’ Brown said. “Our city is home to a diverse population with strong Catholic and Christian values. While we uphold the right of every individual to make personal life choices, the demand to pass a proclamation that contradicts our fundamental freedoms of thought, speech, and religion is unacceptable.” 

Brown emphasized that the role of government should be to minimize interference in the personal lives of citizens. 

“Most of the citizens of Yakima are sensible, hard-working individuals who prefer to live their lives with minimal government intervention,’’ he said. “Our duty is to allow people to live their best lives, regardless of their personal and private choices within the law.”

Addressing the implications of Pride Month 

Councilman Brown raised concerns about the implications of Pride Month, stating that it fosters a victimhood mentality. 

“Pride Month suggests that individuals with different sexual preferences are unwelcome or discriminated against, which is simply not true,’’ he said. “The people of Yakima are loving and accepting. We see neighbors looking out for each other, volunteering, and praying for those in need. Love and acceptance are core values of our community.” 

Councilman Matt Brown has served on the Yakima City Council since 2022. He is a pastor, small business owner, and currently serves as the Yakima County Republican Chairman.