City unanimously passes nondiscrimination ordinance
UPDATE 7/17/18: It is now against the law in Jackson to discriminate against another person based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Town Council unanimously passed a nondiscrimination ordinance on Monday, outlawing unequal treatment of LGBTQ people regarding housing, employment or public accommodation.
Jackson Mayor Pete Muldoon says he’s “impressed by and proud of our community for coming together and showing empathy and compassion for everyone.”
About five of the 25 or so public commenters opposed the ban on discrimination, most arguing it violated their First Amendment right to freedom of religion and association.
Others denounced it as a “special privilege” for one group, and as a potential means of discrimination against Christians.
ORIGINAL:
A non-discrimination ordinance goes before the Jackson Town Council for a third and final reading Monday.
The wording of Ordinance 1200 says that while state and federal laws exist to eliminate discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations, they may fail to adequately address all discriminatory acts reported by town residents. Specifically, it says, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals have not attained equal opportunity in housing, public accommodations and employment.
The town ordinance proposes to prohibit discrimination in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the town and ensure basic human rights.
The ordinance also prohibits anyone from threatening, discharging, expelling, blacklisting, or otherwise retaliating against another person for opposing any practices prohibited by the ordinance.
Exceptions to the rules include religious organizations which restrict facilities as a direct part of religious activities, housing devoted exclusively to persons of one sex, or for several other specific reasons.
The ordinance also outlines a procedure for filing and investigating complaints. You can see the ordinance here. The proposal goes to the Town Council at 6 p.m. Monday.
