GILLETTE, Wyo. — The Gillette City Council’s Tuesday meeting drew a large crowd as residents debated the proposed repeal of the city’s malicious harms ordinance, a measure that dominated the evening and revealed deep divisions over what role the law should play in protecting residents.
After a lengthy public hearing marked by emotional testimony, the council voted 4–3 in favor of repealing the ordinance on first reading. Two additional readings are required before the repeal would take effect.
The ordinance, enacted in 2021, enhances penalties for crimes motivated by prejudice. Opponents of the repeal argued the law is essential to protecting vulnerable residents who are a part of marginalized communities and maintaining Gillette’s reputation as a welcoming city. Supporters of the repeal said the ordinance creates special classes and punishes thought rather than action, arguing that existing laws already address violent and destructive acts.
Several residents and councilmembers spoke forcefully on both sides. Councilmember Nathan McLeland defended the ordinance, saying it provides “an extra layer of protection” and does not elevate one group over another. Councilmember Heidi Gross questioned claims that the law divides the community and said repealing it could discourage young people and businesses from staying in Gillette. Councilmember Jim West, who supported the repeal, said he wanted to end rhetoric that “divides the community” and restore focus on shared values. Mayor Shay Lundvall said he opposed the ordinance but emphasized he would not tolerate violence against anyone, adding that “the government should not be in the business of policing thought.” The fact that this ordinance is not a hate crime law but a malicious harm ordinance was emphasized.
Outside the debate, the council proclaimed November as Green Light for Veterans Month as part of the national Operation Green light initiative. Cheyenne Neville, Gillette’s representative on the Community Advocacy, Resource and Education Board, encouraged residents and businesses to display green lights during November to honor veterans and raise awareness about available support services.
Municipal court officials also presented an overview of the city court’s work so far this year, reporting 1,450 citations filed and 997 adjudicated through September. Judges Christopher Rainer and Allison Gee emphasized the court’s role in treating people fairly and helping defendants facing challenges related to mental health, addiction or poverty.
Councilmembers approved several business items, including final acceptance of the $16.5 million wastewater treatment plant headworks improvement project built by Velocity Constructors Inc., along with a legal settlement with the company. They also approved a professional services agreement with KJ Engineering for the Ohara Drive water main replacement project, expected to begin this summer, and accepted improvements to the Hoskinson Health and Wellness expansion.
In other action, the council transferred a retail liquor license for The Other Side Bar and Grill to new ownership and heard updates from the Boys & Girls Club, which recently completed a security fence and received a $100,000 grant to improve its outreach. Councilmembers also encouraged food and cash donations to the Council of Community Services food pantry amid the ongoing government shutdown.
City officials reminded residents of upcoming seasonal regulations and closures, including restrictions on RV and trailer parking through April 30, Veterans Day facility closures on Nov. 11 and the end of curbside yard waste pickup during the week of Nov. 24.
The meeting closed with condolences to community members who recently lost loved ones and an announcement that the council would enter executive session for personnel matters.
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