HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-17-06 Personnel & FinancePERSONNEL AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
2006 Common Council
The May 17', 2006 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was called or order
by its Chairperson, Council Member Charlotte D. Pfeifer at 5:00 p.m. in the Council
Informal Meeting Roam.
Persons in attendance included Councilmember's Pfeifer, Kirsits, Puzzello, Varner,
Kelly, Citizen Member Nikki Hutchinson., Aladean DeRose- Chief Deputy City
Attorney, John Voorde, City Clerk and Janice Talboorn, Deputy City Clerk
Absent: Councilmember Dieter, Kuspa, Rouse, and White
Charlotte Pfeifer, Chairperson, Personnel & Finance Committee, described the format for
the scheduled 1 %i hour meeting. Those opposed to 29-06 were to have 10 minutes to
complete their presentation then have 45 minutes more for those speaking in opposition.
The advocates of 29-06 would then have 45 minutes to rebut.
Spea'n~ in apposition
Pat Mangan introduces Joe Sergio.
Jae Sergio says he want to layout the facts. He feels the issue should be decided with a
process of intellectual integrity not emotion and hearsay. He argued 3 flaws in the
proponent's presentation. The methodology, quantity, and quality of the proponents
supporting evidence were challenged.
Mike Hammond explained the issue should be approached by asking 3 questions.
Namely, what problem will the legislation solve`? What are the real effects of the bill's
provision? Finally, does the proposed solution have an educative affect? He maintained
the unintended effect was promotion of the homo lifestyle. He cautioned the council not
to confuse legality with moral legitimacy.
J. Dunlap emphasized the unintended consequences of the bill. He cautioned against
legal conflict, psychological conflict and medical problems.
Dan Jordan questioned what contribution GLBT folks make to society except burdens, ie.
AIDS, HIV, health risks.
Tom Ending - He characterized the GLBT lifestyle as scandalous offensive behavior, one
of choice not something immutable.
Nathan Steadman -claimed sexual orientation is not innate; but an unnatural, aberrant
behaviar of choice. Laws should not be based upon immoral choices.
Kip Wellen -Feels the issue should be based on the definition of a discriminated class.
There are 3 parts to the definition. First, is the discrimination widespread. Have the
purported victims been put at economic disadvantage and finally, are there immutable
characteristics in homosexuality. He says no is the correct answer to all three questions.
Justine Blake - provided a handout.
Bill Stroud - He testified to the lack of discrimination in the real estate business.
Earl Bratrix _ He said in all the history of mankind homosexuality has never been
considered right or acceptable.
Sneakins in Favor
Catherine Pittman wants to focus on the central issues of the debate. That is, not the way
or how of homosexuality but simply, is there discrimination. She claim's handouts more
than establish the reality of discrimination against GLBT's. Moreover, it is widespread
and long standing. She asks the HRC be given the chance to investigate GLBT
discrimination. Finally, she holds that no "special rights" are granted for a group; but
expands basic rights guaranteed to all.
Scott Keller -~ A councilman from Indianapolis where a similar bill was passed says a
halt of professional groups (APA, AMA, NEA, AAP) all consider being gay to be innate,
not behavioral, but genetic and or biological. With an estimated S% of the population
being "gay", this bill should be seen as a preventive measure.
Marcus Harris -teacher SBCSC says he is an admitted homo who is unprotected in the
face of discrimination.
Bobby Lopez -~ stated that he is 17 years old and a High School Student who faces
discrimination from both students and administrators daily far being a homo and has no
recourse.
Angela Gilleto -stated that smart, talented, people contributing greatly to society and the
economy will leave the South Bend Area if equality is not assured.
Nancy Mascott -has gay son. She challenges misconceptions of gay lifestyle. She says
the opposition's judgment is clouded by prejudice. This amendment protects GLBT's not
promotes them.
There being no further business to come befare the Committee, Councilmember Pfeifer
adjourned the meeting at 6:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Councilmember Charlotte D. Pfeifer, hairperson
Personnel and Finance Cor~unittee
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