Source: WCF Courier
WATERLOO, Iowa --- A controversial city ordinance banning discrimination against persons based on their sexual preference may finally get its day before the City Council.
The proposal slated for a vote Tuesday would prohibit discrimination based on "sexual orientation" in the areas of employment, housing, education, public accommodations and credit practices. The current ordinance has long protected residents based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, creed and national origin.
Sexual orientation covers residents who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or perceived to be such.
New state bias ban pressures Iowa city to finally adopt its own LGB protections [contd.]
Members of the Waterloo Human Rights Commission have been pressuring City Council members for several years to adopt the ordinance change, which has been approved in several major cities and Johnson County. The idea has sparked strong feelings on both sides of the issue and council members have resisted putting it on an agenda for a vote.
But Iowa lawmakers changed the playing field this year when, during the 2007 session, they adopted a bill barring discrimination against gays and lesbians statewide. Gov. Chet Culver signed it into law in May.
The Iowa Attorney General's Office has issued an opinion stating cities "should amend existing ordinances to reflect the recent legislative amendments."
Last modified: 25 Apr 09 02:02
state_ia