York County Commissioners this week rejected a proclamation acknowledging Pride Month for the first time since 2023.

The proclamation aimed to convey the county’s support of Pride Month and emphasize the importance of education, awareness and support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Commissioners were split 2-2 on the proclamation: Justin Chenette and Richard Clark were in favor, while Robert Andrews and Donna Ring were opposed. Commissioner Richard Dutremble was absent from Wednesday night’s meeting.

“I don’t believe anyone with special interests should have a special month designated to them,” Ring said prior to the vote. “I think that they are all treated equally, and I don’t think that there’s any need of that.”

Chenette, who is the first openly gay York County commissioner, responded by saying residents and county employees have expressed their gratitude for the proclamation in past years.

“Whether your ‘why’ is about retention of quality staff and attracting quality workforce in our county, whether it’s about recognizing the shared humanity of our constituents, I think what is before us says that York County is a welcoming place for all,” Chenette said. “I think we can all agree on that.”

Chenette shared his discontent with the proclamation’s failure on Facebook after the meeting. In a phone interview Thursday, he said the outcome was especially hurtful because the commissioners usually get along and work well together.

“We try not to take things personally. We try not to infuse politics into county decisions. I think we do a really good job at that, but this really hurts,” he said. “And I really hope they’re gonna hear my plea, and the plea of other constituents like me, that this is meaningful and it doesn’t do anyone any harm.”

Chenette said he’s confident that a similar proclamation will pass next year.

Clark, the other commissioner who supported proclamation Wednesday, pointed to the 1984 Bangor murder of Charlie Howard, a 23-year-old man who was the victim of a homophobic hate crime.

“As a gesture of respect to the people who lived through this nonsense, I will vote in favor of this proclamation,” Clark said during the meeting. “If that causes me to get struck by lightning, I’ll take my chances.”

Andrews and Ring did not respond to emails Thursday seeking further comment on their votes.

Wednesday’s meeting began with public comment, where Susan Wiswell of Kittery urged the board to reject the proclamation.

“I, for one, refuse to celebrate sin,” she said. “The appropriate response to sin is repentance, not celebration.”

In 2024, Wiswell unsuccessfully sought the District 5 commissioner’s seat held by Clark.