When Yakima’s City Council convened in late May to debate this year’s Pride Month proclamation, Councilman Rick Glenn raised a pointed question: “Why are we acknowledging this?” This sentiment was echoed in the 2-5 vote against the proclamation, a stark contrast to the previous year’s supportive stance where the Council approved the Pride Month proclamation by a similar margin of 5-2.
The shift in the Council’s position can be traced back to the November 2023 general election, which ushered in a conservative majority. Councilmembers Patricia Byers and Matt Brown, who opposed the Pride Month proclamation in 2023, now lead the conservative agenda in Yakima’s local politics. This new direction is notably intertwined with their Christian faith, reflecting a broader trend where religion and politics are increasingly interwoven.
Nationally, the fusion of religion and politics is a common theme among many conservatives, exacerbated by the divisive climate surrounding former President Donald Trump. Yakima, like many rural American towns, is not immune to these shifting political winds. The city’s current atmosphere reveals a complex interplay of beliefs and values, manifesting in a polarized community landscape.
Yakima’s demographic tapestry is diverse. Over the past decade, Latino voters have become a significant political force through various voting-rights lawsuits, energizing the community. Additionally, the city is home to Muslim and Sikh worship spaces, alongside a vibrant LGBTQ+ community that has voiced strong opposition to the Council’s rejection of the Pride Month proclamation.
In contrast, national Christian nationalist figures like Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk and worship leader Sean Feucht celebrated the Council’s decision as a triumph for their cause. They leveraged the rejection of the proclamation to rally their supporters, turning Yakima’s local politics into a national story.
Despite the Council’s decision, Yakima Pride, a nonprofit advocacy group for the LGBTQ+ community, saw overwhelming support for their June events. Approximately 5,000 people attended a series of Pride celebrations, including a parade, family fair, prom, and drag performance, held at State Fair Park.
Kaimu Peneku, a board member of Yakima Pride, cautioned city leaders about the repercussions of their actions. “People are paying attention to what city leaders are doing,” Peneku stated. “Disrespecting a large segment of the community could have significant consequences. Visibility is crucial—learn from these moments and make your voice heard at the polls.”
Yakima’s dichotomy is evident in the contrasting events held around the same time. While the Pride celebrations were in full swing, Sean Feucht’s “Let Us Worship” event drew around 3,000 attendees to the Sozo Sports Complex. Feucht, known for his provocative rhetoric, used the event to denounce what he describes as liberal and LGBTQ+ “perversion,” contrasting Yakima’s conservative values with those of other cities he has criticized.
Feucht’s influence in the Christian right has been bolstered by his previous protests against COVID-19 restrictions and his support for Donald Trump. His rhetoric and revival tours, which aim to combat what he sees as spiritual decay, have positioned him as a prominent voice among evangelical Christians. His recent tour, which includes stops in various state capitals, is set to culminate in Washington, D.C., just before the November elections.
Feucht’s presence in Yakima was marked by a dramatic display of faith and politics. During the event, Byers, dressed in a floral blouse and white pants, declared from the stage, “I declare over Yakima today that this is the day when the knowledge of the glory of the Lord floods our valley as the waters cover the seas!” Her public display of faith is indicative of the blend of personal belief with political leadership that has become increasingly common.
Historically, Yakima has seen the intersection of Christian faith and local governance. Dave Edler, who served on the City Council and as mayor from 2003 to 2010, was known for his dual identity as a pastor and politician. Edler’s tenure was marked by a blend of his religious beliefs and public service, though his approach to policy often drew criticism from both sides of the political spectrum.
In recent years, Byers and Brown, both affiliated with Edler’s former church, have brought a more overtly Christian perspective to their roles. Byers, who has been on the Council since 2019, has made her faith a central part of her public persona. Brown, who has a background in COVID-19 reporting critiques and church activities, has also used his faith as a political asset.
Despite criticisms of Christian nationalism, Byers and Brown maintain that their religious beliefs inform their public service without pushing a specific agenda. Brown, for instance, emphasizes his commitment to serving the community, stating that his faith guides his actions without imposing on others.
The evolution of Yakima’s political scene reflects a broader trend where religious identity and political strategy are increasingly intertwined. The conservative shift in the City Council, bolstered by a coalition of evangelical supporters, demonstrates how faith-based politics can reshape local governance.
In an era where political and religious lines are often blurred, Yakima stands as a microcosm of this dynamic interplay. As the city continues to navigate these complex intersections, its experience offers insight into the broader national conversation about the role of faith in public life.