Statement Regarding Councilman Mark Fleck’s Party Switch

(10-11-23) As a former Republican, I can certainly appreciate that one’s views may change with time and more information. If Councilman Fleck feels that the Republican party better aligns with his views, he has every right – and I would even argue a responsibility – to do so. However, facts aren’t subject to the whim of personal opinion. They either stand or fall on their own accord.

I’m not going to spend much time speaking about the pride event, as that has already been hashed out in so many back and forth conversations, both online and in the city council meetings. However, I will speak about the “event on the steps of the Mercer County Courthouse,” that Mr. Fleck alluded to in his statement.

I can only assume he is speaking of the protest of Rep. Angie King’s HB 245 Drag Ban that I, and other members of my informal group organized. It should be noted that I was not a candidate at the time of that protest, but had I been, nothing would’ve really changed. To the best of my knowledge, I was the only one that spoke about “elected officials and Council.” My “foul language” wasn’t reported on, even with several media outlets in attendance, because it did not happen.

I was direct in my criticism of that blatantly unconstitutional and bigoted bill – as I’m known to be and I’m not about to pretend that I don’t have a robust lexicon of colorful language. However, that didn’t happen at the event in question, nor did any “inappropriate behavior.” In fact, I would welcome Councilman Fleck to elaborate on what “inappropriate behavior” he claims to have witnessed.

I can assure Mr. Fleck that nothing was done for his “benefit,” as I was unaware of who he was through most of the event. That could be because Mr. Fleck made no effort to engage or ask sincere questions of the organizers of the protest. Among the many organizers and attendees of the protest were citizens of Celina, who love their city and have a passion to see it be an inclusive environment.

Neither those attendees, nor I, have any “loathing” for the community. What we do have is an expectation that constitutional protection for free speech be upheld – including drag, which is both entertainment and a constitutionally protected protest against homophobia and rigid gender stereotypes. We, LGBTQ people and allies, have seen an increase in hateful rhetoric over the years and a toxic climate emerge, where religious language has been weaponized against our LGBTQ community and bias is inserted into law.

Religious liberty is a hallmark of American democracy and I proudly support that, but so too is a separation of church and state, as found in the establishment and free exercise clauses of our constitution. What we have seen lately is not religious liberty but religious tyranny – the idea that the religious views of many in the community should be strictly enforced by civil law. Protecting religious liberty also means protecting our communities from the insertion of religion into our law. I will proudly stand for citizens’ rights to freely practice their faith – regardless of my personal adherence or lack thereof – but I will also stand with those that do not consent to the religious views of others dictating their lives.

That liberty is crucial to our Democratic-Republic, and the freedom of all to believe, not believe and not be encumbered by the doctrines of others is also a staple of the Democratic Party, of which I am proudly a member.

Sincerely

Arienne Childrey – Democratic Candidate for Ohio’s 84th Statehouse District.