07-26-10 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JULY 26, 2010 Bill Eagen, 3206 S. Ironwood Drive, South Bend, Indiana, stated that this issue is not unique to South Bend. It is an issue all over the country. He referred to the military’s don’t ask, don’t tell policy. Mr. Eagen stated that it hurts either way and people should not be treated or discriminated against no matter what their sexual orientation or gender identity is. He urged the Council to pass this bill. George Lane, 2405 Division, Mishawaka, Indiana, suggested to the Council to read the th article by Mr. Randy Kelly on Human Rights in the July 4 edition of the South Bend th Tribune on human rights. Also the article in Monday’s July 5 edition, and agrees with the writer of Voice of the People, Mary Porter of South Bend. There is a problem of civil rights, not only in the city but also the county, state and the entire nation with our legal citizens on human rights. He stated that as a member of Citizens for the Accountability of Government, Inc., he wishes to express their concerns on Human Rights. That is that we all, as citizens expect the respect and dignity we all enjoy. Civil and Human Rights should and must be given to all women and men that are citizens of this great nation. He stated that when he served in the military (Air Force), and needed a transfusion of blood, he didn’t ask where the blood came from white, black, yellow or other. He needed the life saving transfusion or die. He stated that he served his country as millions of citizens did for the freedom of this country. He stated that many gave some, but some gave it all not for some but for all of us. He stated that this hatred must stop and join hands with our brothers and sisters. Let’s start here and now in this great city of South Bend, St. Joseph County, State of Indiana and the entire nation. He stated that he has had the privilege and honor to know each and everyone on the Council. He commended them as honorable public servants and has the highest respect for all. He stated that at “Justice for All” now ask before the vote on Bill No. 30-10 that the Council look at each other and ask how would you like to lose your civil rights? Perhaps some wouldn’t like your lifestyle or the way you comb your hair or the color of your skin. He urged the Council to give the same civil rights nothing more or nothing less. He stated that if anyone would choose to vote no, then please explain your vote not to give the same human rights that you and I enjoy. Tony Flora, 202 E. Angela, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he is the Secretary of the North Central Indiana AFL-CIO Council. Mr. Flora advised that the North Central Indiana AFL-CIO Labor Council supports the ordinance introduced by Common Council members Oliver Davis, Ann Puzzello and Buddy Kirsits allowing the South Bend Human Rights Commission to investigate claims of employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The AFL-CIO Central Labor Council voted at its June 2010 meeting to take this position. The AFL-CIO has a long history of dedication to workplace fairness and is a strong advocate for an end to discrimination against all employees. In 2005, the AFL-CIO stated, “Discrimination based on sexual orientation is inconsistent with the fundamental value of equality; simply put, it is wrong.” This statement is part of the AFL-CIO’s declaration of “The Values that Unite Us as a People and A Movement.” The North Central Indiana AFL-CIO, the federation of Unions in the six north central counties of Indiana, asks that the South Bend Common Council support the amendments proposed to the South Bend Human Rights Ordinance. He stated that their support of this amendment is consistent wit the AFL-CIO’s commitment to improve the lives of workers and their families, and the goal of bringing economic justice to the workplace and social justice to the community. Mr. Flora stated that everybody either has worked or knows of someone who is gay or has someone in their family who is gay and it is about time that we embraced that family instead of running away from that family. Randy Kelly, 1325 E. Wayne, South Bend, Indiana, quoted from someone he respects “he still hears people say that he should not be talking about the rights of lesbian and gay people and stick to the issue of racial justice, but hastens to remind them that Martin Luther King Jr., said that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” He appeals to everyone that believes in Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream to make room at the table of brotherhood and sisterhood for lesbian and gay people. We have a lot of work to do in the common struggle against bigotry and discrimination is equally wrong and should be opposed by right thinking Americans everywhere. Freedom from discrimination based on sexual orientation is surely a fundamental Human Right of any great democracy. He urged the Council to cast their vote for tolerance tonight. 6