BELLINGHAM, Wash. – In an abrupt about-face, the Bellingham City Council is now moving forward with an ordinance banning public drug use.

“After initially suggesting that this ordinance be referred to committee for further discussion, that motion was actually defeated narrowly three to four,” said Councilmember Michael Lilliquist. “Instead, the Council decided to take up the ordinance itself and go ahead and enact it as is.”

Councilmembers voted 5-2 in favor of the ordinance during Monday night’s meeting.

The measure, proposed by Bellingham Mayor Seth Fleetwood, will make public drug use in Bellingham a misdemeanor.

Some members who had previously voted against the ordinance said that speaking with community members changed their minds.

“I think all of us felt the importance of the services but also feel that kicking the can down the road another month or two while we discuss it, we very well could be looking at the potential loss of 40 or 50 more of our community members,” said Councilmember Lisa Anderson.

Anderson added that discussions are still in progress regarding the need for a “community court,” also proposed by Mayor Fleetwood.

But the ordinance is not live just yet.

It needs to pass a third reading which is scheduled for April 10th.

Once the third reading passes, it will take effect after 15 days.