Erie City Council is poised to adopt new code of conduct rules for its members in the wake of Councilman Ed Brzezinski misgendering council’s president and fellow Democrat Tyler Titus at a June 9 meeting.
Council members on Aug. 5 will consider giving first-reading approval to amendments of an existing ordinance regarding council’s rules of conduct.
The amendments state, among other things, that that council members at all public meetings should “observe the rules of decorum” and refrain from “abusive, threatening, intimidating or demeaning” conduct towards any fellow council member or member of the public.
Council members who violate those rules, according to the ordinance, could be required to make public apologies; be formally censured by fellow councilmembers; and/or have their speaking privileges suspended during meetings.
The new rules do not suspend and/or limit a member’s right to vote.
Brzezinski’s comments at June 9 meeting spark outrage
Titus said the new rules, which must pass a second reading of City Council before they go into effect, are “not about any one individual.”
However, Titus said it would be “dishonest” to suggest the Brzezinski situation was not a factor.
At a special meeting June 9 regarding Erie Events’ proposed $14 million bayfront market house project, Brzezinski at one point referred to Titus — who is openly transgender and uses they/them pronouns — as “ma’am.”
The next day, on June 10, Titus posted a lengthy message on Facebook regarding the incident, writing that he believed Brzezinski “intentionally chose disrespect.”
The Erie County Democratic Party called for Brzezinski to make a public apology, which Brzezinski did not do.
More: Erie Dems want councilman’s public apology for misgendering colleague
Dozens of citizens also blasted Brzezinski’s comments/behavior regarding Titus during more than three hours of public comment at City Council’s June 17 meeting.
Previous coverage: Citizens condemn Erie councilman for misgendering colleague
‘Orderly meetings’
Regarding the conduct amendments, Titus said: “it would be dishonest to suggest that recent events did not recenter the need to ensure our expectations are clearly outlined. As council president, I believe both members of council and the public deserve a transparent, consistent framework that supports respectful, orderly meetings.”
Brzezinski said he will not support the ordinance, and he believes the rules in place are sufficient.
A final vote on the amendments could come as soon as City Council’s next meeting on Aug. 19.
Council meets Aug. 5 in the Bagnoni Council Chambers at City Hall, 626 State St. The meeting can be viewed on Facebook and YouTube.
Contact Kevin Flowers at kflowers@timesnews.com. Follow him on X at @ETNflowers.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: In wake of misgendering, Erie City Council weighs new conduct rules