Montgomery County Democratic Party chairman Charles Uffelman (standing in blue shirt) addresses the Clarksville City Council about remarks Councilman Travis Holleman made about a recent gay pride event in the city. CHERI REEVESCouncilman Travis Holleman, seated to Mayor Joe Pitts’ left, was the target of calls for his resignation from Democrats and LGBTQ activists who spoke at the city council’s executive session. CHERI REEVES
A group of concerned citizens attended the Clarksville City Council executive session Thursday calling for the resignation of Ward 7 Councilman Travis Holleman after remarks he made during a June council meeting.
Charles Uffelman was one of three local residents to speak during the public comments time of Thursday’s meeting, saying he was there to speak out against a “hateful” presentation by Holleman on June 27 that alleged diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) as well as LGBTQ+ Pride were communist and satanic in nature.
“As chair the Montgomery County Democratic Party, I call on Travis Holleman to resign his seat immediately for the failure of his leadership, for the harm done not only to the LGBT community, but also to all the folks that are lifted up by diversity, equity and inclusion programs,” Uffelman said.
Anita Hart, president of C—Pride, also spoke, saying Holleman’s words have caused unnecessary fears to members of the community.
“He targeted the LGBTQ community and our C-Pride organization. Ultimately, he insisted that we pose a threat to the people of Clarksville, stating that we are not welcome here,” she said. “The rest of the city council, all of you, with the exception of one courageous member, sat in silence. This has caused the LGBTQ community to fear they are no longer having representation in a room where everyone should feel equal and know their rights are protected.”
Wanda Allen, Ward 8 council member, said she was brought to tears by Holleman’s behavior and said she was not present at the June 27 meeting.
“There should not be this much hate in our world,” she said. Later in her comments, she added, “you cannot represent your community with those type of feelings and truly, truly represent everybody that you are meant to represent.”
Holleman defended his previous presentation by saying the LGBTQ+ community is “targeting” children.
“I never really cared until LGBT started targeting children,” he said.
The room got loud after that statement, but Holleman followed by bringing up an issue in California where laws have been passed concerning children’s gender identity and teachers.
“They are targeting children, and they are doing it through legal works,” he added. “Guys wake up like, please. My whole objective is to protect children.”
Karen Reynolds, Ward 9 council member, thanked the citizens who spoke and also asked that all council members be given a copy of the local Democratic Party’s resolution requesting Holleman’s resignation.
No other council members commented on the issue and no action was taken during the executive session. The council will hold its next regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, Aug. 1.
