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REGULAR MEETING JULY, 10, 2006 <br />Mr. Douglas responded yes he does. <br />Councilmember Pfeifer asked to Mr. Douglas if he could speak on how they operate <br />now? Are the majority of the cases that come before the Human Rights Commission <br />settled without fines and courts? <br />Mr. Douglas responded that the majority of their cases are found to be no cause. Of the <br />rest of the cases, they settle 10 to 15 percent of the cases depending upon the year. The <br />reason for such high settlement rate is because they operate in pro-active mode rather <br />than a re-active mode. They believe that education is the key to everything that they do. <br />They try to educate not only the respondent but those citizens of the City of South Bend. <br />Councilmember Pfeifer stated that just because a person files an allegation doesn’t mean <br />that they will be successful. <br />Mr. Douglas stated that they would still investigate. He commended his staff on a job <br />well done. <br />Councilmember Pfeifer stated that if the amendment is passed tonight, will the Human <br />Rights Commission implement it? <br />Mr. Douglas responded yes. <br />Councilmember Rouse asked that in 1997, the Indiana Civil Rights Commission asked all <br />Human Rights Commissions to report cases of discrimination based on sexual <br />orientation. The letter was sent by the Director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, <br />Mr. Lee. Councilmember Rouse asked Mr. Douglas if he received that letter? <br />Mr. Douglas responded yes, that he received the letter. <br />Councilmember Rouse asked Mr. Douglas how many cases since 1997, has the South <br />Bend Human Rights Commission reported to the Indiana Civil Rights Commission? <br />Mr. Douglas responded two (2). <br />Councilmember White, Chairperson, Committee of the Whole, asked the Council <br />Attorney for the time taken for the formal presentation. <br />Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand stated that there was 42 minutes spent as <br />part of the formal presentation. Now would begin the five (5) minute maximum per <br />speaker for those in favor. <br />This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents <br />and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. <br />The following individuals spoke in favor of this bill. <br />Don Olson, 51772 Heath Court, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he is a member of <br />PFAFLG, Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. He stated that he is the <br />proud father of adult son, who happens to be gay. He stated that he would like to address <br />the issue of discrimination in the GLBT Community. Discrimination against GLBT <br />persons is present today, it is present on a national level and it is present in South Bend. <br />There is a climate in this City that causes many to live closeted lives. Fearing the <br />consequences of living an open and honest life. Those who do live openly, do so at great <br />risk because they live without the basic protection afforded all other citizens and <br />employees of this city. Main stream research documents the effects of discrimination <br />against gays and lesbians. In 2002, the American Psychological Association testimony <br />before Congress states that “It is the empirically based position of our Association that <br />discrimination based upon sexual orientation is detrimental to mental health and public <br />good” In addition a 2004 brief by the APA, “there is a growing recognition that social <br />prejudice and discrimination against lesbians and gay men take a cumulative toll on their <br />9 <br /> <br />