The amendments state, among other things, that that council members at all public meetings should \u201cobserve the rules of decorum\u201d and refrain from \u201cabusive, threatening, intimidating or demeaning\u201d conduct towards any fellow council member or member of the public.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The new rules do not suspend and\/or limit a member\u2019s right to vote.<\/p>\n
Brzezinski’s comments at June 9 meeting spark outrage<\/p>\n
Titus said the new rules, which must pass a second reading of City Council before they go into effect, are \u201cnot about any one individual.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, Titus said it would be \u201cdishonest\u201d to suggest the Brzezinski situation was not a factor.<\/p>\n
At a special meeting June 9 regarding Erie Events\u2019<\/a> proposed $14 million bayfront market house project, Brzezinski at one point referred to Titus \u2014 who is openly transgender and uses they\/them pronouns \u2014 as \u201cma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n The next day, on June 10, Titus posted a lengthy message on Facebook regarding the incident, writing that he believed Brzezinski \u201cintentionally chose disrespect.\u201d<\/p>\n The Erie County Democratic Party<\/a> called for Brzezinski to make a public apology, which Brzezinski did not do.<\/p>\n More: Erie Dems want councilman’s public apology for misgendering colleague<\/a><\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n Previous coverage: Citizens condemn Erie councilman for misgendering colleague<\/a><\/p>\n ‘Orderly meetings’<\/p>\n Regarding the conduct amendments, Titus said: \u201cit would be dishonest to suggest that recent events did not recenter the need to ensure our expectations are clearly outlined.\u00a0As council president, I believe both members of council and the public deserve a transparent, consistent framework that supports respectful, orderly meetings.\u201d<\/p>\n Brzezinski said he will not support the ordinance, and he believes the rules in place are sufficient. <\/p>\n A final vote on the amendments could come as soon as City Council\u2019s next meeting on Aug. 19.<\/p>\n Council meets Aug. 5 in the Bagnoni Council Chambers at City Hall, 626 State St. The meeting can be viewed on Facebook<\/a> and YouTube.<\/a><\/p>\n Contact Kevin Flowers at kflowers@timesnews.com. Follow him on X at @ETNflowers<\/a>.<\/a><\/p>\n This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: In wake of misgendering, Erie City Council weighs new conduct rules<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Ed](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/310d2090-8642-4ed8-94c9-1ed658419aec.jpg\"\/)
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