| In a a fantastic, but expected move. The Ciy Commission for the City of Kalamazoo Monday, June 29th passed a new version of a fully inclusive Non-Discrimination Ordinance. As you may remember, an earlier version of the ordinance was passed last November. Unfortunatly opponents of the ordinance were able to collect enough signatures to force the city to either remove the ordinance or place it on the ballot in May. After a great deal of discussion, it was decided that the ordinance would be recinded and after a number of public hearings re-introduced in June. The only people who show up to vote in May are older and not likely to support LGBT rights. A bill introduced in June would be placed on hte regular November ballot. The public meetings were loud and at some points discouraging. And in the end the language was altered. But in ways that strengthened the protections, increased protections for gender identity, and clarified the exemptions. The discussion was polite tonight, and the opposition used the same tired arguements. They also made a repeated statements about there being no "gay gene." We had some incredible people; LGBT, straight, religious leaders, business leaders, and community leaders; stand up and speak in favor of the ordinance. I wish I had a recording of what was said so that I could post it here. We are already preparing for the ballot fight in November. Gary Glenn of the AFA has already announced that the opposition will begin collecting signatures as soon as possible. Here are some sites to check out http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kalamazoo_and_battle_creek/Kalamazoo_approves_gay_rights_ordinance http://www.wwmt.com/video/index.php?bcpid=1111405973&bclid=1137706675&bctid=27995547001 And finally check out this one, especially at 112-113, you can see my husband Steve and myself. Steve is weaing stripped shirt, I have the goatee and grey WMU t-shirt. http://www.wwmt.com/video/index.php?bcpid=1111405973&bclid=1137706675&bctid=28019461001 |
