Denver District Attorney-elect Beth McCann and state Rep.-elect Leslie Herod say it’s time to have a talk about civil rights.

“This is a time when many in our community are fearful and uncertain about the future,” McCann said. “We want to provide an opportunity for folks to come together and discuss these issues with those involved in civil rights and government and with each other, so we are sponsoring this town hall meeting to provide that opportunity.”

The two Democrats are calling their planned meeting, “Civil Rights in the Current Climate.” It is scheduled for next Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Presbyterian/St.Luke’s Medical Center in Denver.

Crisanta Duran, chosen as the first Latina House speaker this month, will lead a roster of speakers that’s expected to include Joe Neguse, executive director of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Affairs; and Denise Maes, public policy director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado.

The program also includes the Denver Police Department and One Colorado, the state’s largest advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

“Everyone in our community deserves to feel safe and know that they will be protected,” Herod said. “Right now that is not the case for many of our neighbors. We want people to know that regardless of their race, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, religion or national origin, they belong here. And we will be here to make sure everyone is treated with dignity and respect.”