Pinal County Board of Supervisors discussed significant changes to the county’s policies during their recent meeting. The revised policy expands the list of protected classes to include gender identity and sexual orientation, among others. The proposed change raised questions about the county’s compliance with state and federal laws.
The discussion became heated around the issue concerning how this change may lead to more complex scenarios in the future [Watch the debate here].
MaryEllen Sheppard, Deputy County Manager, explained, “The timing of this request is to support the county attorney’s longstanding and future receipt of Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) funds. These funds, which come from offenders convicted of federal crimes, help to ensure appropriate and accessible services are available to crime victims throughout Pinal County.”
County Attorney Kent Volkmer explained that the $362,400 in VOCA funds for fiscal year 2024-2025 would support victim advocates who assist individuals navigating the criminal justice system.
However, Supervisor Cavanaugh remained skeptical about the “strings that come attached with these federal government programs.”
The measure passed 4-1, with Supervisor Cavanaugh being the only one to vote against it [Watch the vote with final statements here]. After the vote, Cavanaugh explained his decision by quoting scripture, saying, “Genesis 1:27 states, ‘God created humankind in His image; male and female He created them.'”
