SIOUX CITY (AP) — The city council in Sioux City is considering a resolution that would declare its opposition to gay marriage.

The motion, a mostly symbolic gesture, is on the council’s agenda for Monday.

Councilman Brent Hoffman, who supports the resolution, says it’s important because it clarifies the council’s position and directs city departments, boards and commissions to stay in line with that position.

The resolution also asks for a statewide vote on whether gay marriage should be allowed.

Council members say the council is split 2-2 on the issue, with Councilman Dave Ferris the potentially deciding vote. He could not be reached for comment.

The council is set to meet at 4 p.m. on Monday.

Hoffman said his push for the resolution was prompted by a town hall forum hosted by gay marriage proponents that set for Tuesday in Sioux City.

He said residents had been asking him whether the city endorsed the group’s message because the forum will be held at a public library.

The proposed ordinance addresses that question directly: “Citizens should not interpret the rent and use of any city facilities (for this purpose) by another organization as support for that organization.”

Councilman Jim Rixner said the resolution is wholly unnecessary.

“It’s just a sad day for the city. This resolution has nothing to do with the city’s business, and it’s a divisive issue,” he said. “The whole resolution is overreaching.”

Rixner said he’s worried the resolution will have a negative effect on city business, including the city’s Human Rights Commission, which investigates discrimination complaints in housing, employment and others.

Earlier this year, the council voted to add sexual orientation as one of the commission’s protected classes of citizens to bring the commission in step with state civil rights code.

The resolution comes a week after the Iowa Supreme Court heard oral arguments about whether Iowa’s gay marriage ban is constitutional. Two plaintiffs in the case, Varnum v. Brien, live in Sioux City.

A decision is expected next year.