The City of Saline has proclaimed June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride (LGBT) Month by a unanimous recent vote of the City Council and hopes that the recognition will create a more inclusive environment.

“Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgender Americans have enriched and strengthened our lives and made immeasurable contributions to our society in their struggle for equal rights and to ending prejudice and injustice wherever they exist,” the proclamation reads.

The proclamation, requested by a new community group called 'Et al,' was originally included on the consent agenda, but was pulled off and so it could be read out load at the meeting.

Mayor Gretchen Driskell said she hopes that this will serve as a way to fight “prejudice and discrimination in our own lives and everywhere it exists.”

Earlier this year, Saline Community Schools looked at changes in its non-discrimination policies but decided not to add the words "sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression."

Controversy surrounded the debate and the school board discussed the issue extensively.

Several Saline residents spoke in favor of the proclamation Monday night including Ian Reed Twiss, the pastor at Holy Faith Church in Lodi Township. He said "Et al" was formed to assist the community “in creating an inclusive environment for everyone.”

Jody Roberts, another Saline resident and member of the group, also supported the resolution saying, “This is a step in the right direction.”

The proclamation “celebrates and recognizes the LGBT community both in the United States and around the world and the contributions these individuals brings to our society.”

Lisa Allmendinger is a regional reporter for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at lisaallmendinger@annarbor.com. For more Saline stories, visit our Saline page.