03-26-12 Common Council Meeting Minutes

Home Browse Search

REGULAR MEETING MARCH 26, 2012 the Council proposes tonight would make him simply liable for substantial damages and attorney’s fees if he refuses to rent one of his houses to a homosexual, he is disgusted by homosexuality, he believes that there are few acts on the face of the earth that are worse than this, he acquaints this entirely with bestiality, incest, child molesting all those are criminal acts, he sees no difference between homosexuality and these other criminal acts mentioned, he does not want to do business with these people, they are evil.” He stated that he is not implying that everyone that is in opposition to this bill thinks this same way as that landlord. He stated that besides what is going to be said tonight he hopes that we can all agree that this sort of hate that he just read is wrong. Evicting somebody or denying them employment based on that kind of hate is wrong. Tony Flora, 202 E. Angela, North Central AFL-CIO Central Labor Council supports Ordinance 09-12 allowing the South Bend Human Rights Commission to investigate claims of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. In June 2010 the AFL-CIO Central Labor Council voted to support the previous version of this ordinance when it was introduced to the common Council in 2010. He re-affirmed that position today. 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 on “The Values that Unite Us as 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 to support the amendments proposed to the South Bend Human Rights Ordinance. He stated that their support of this amendment is consistent with the AFL-CIO’s commitment to improve the lives of workers and their families, and our goal of bringing economic justice to the workplace and social justice to our communities. Penny Hughes, 1918 Southernview Dr., South Bend, Indiana, Chair, South Bend Human Rights Commission, stated is it wanting “special rights” to expect to be judged on your work performance rather than on whom you love? Is it asking for “special rights” to be protected from denial of housing based on the landlord’s perception of your gender identity or sexual orientation? We members of the Human Rights Commission don’t think having a place to live or having a job is a “special right.” She stated that the Council has the opportunity to stand up to this form of discrimination and move the City forward by saying to employers and landlords that we as a City do not tolerate this form of discrimination against any of our citizens. We have seen how harmful it can be to allow anti-gay prejudice to go unopposed, with the rise of bullying in schools and the high rate of gay teen suicides in our country. On the other hand a recent study from Rice University has shown that the presence of anti-discrimination laws can not only reduce discrimination in hiring and housing, but can also lead to changes in informal and interpersonal behavior. As a Missoula, Montana woman explained about living under the protection of the city’s 2010 ordinance, “There’s a little more sense of peace and calm know the city has our back.” Communities across the American heartland from Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Omaha, Nebraska, to Salt Lake City, Utah have passed ordinances protecting LGBT citizens. As of June 2010, 21 states and 133 cities and counties had some form of protection for employees based on sexual orientation and gender identity. With recent nationwide Gallup polls showing an increase in support for such laws from 56% to 89%, it is no surprise that the backlash and lawsuits predicted by ordinance opponents has failed to materialize. Adding sexual orientation and gender identity to our Human Rights ordinance will still allow religious groups to honor their religious beliefs. They can have the own “special rights” in their schools, their housing and their employment. She stated that the Human Rights Commission are merely asking for the right to investigate claims of discrimination which may or may not be true. Not every claim is likely to be valid: perhaps a complainant showed poor work skills, or failed to meet the terms of a lease. The proposed ordinance will allow the HRC to investigate cases brought to them to see if citizens are being treated fairly. She stated that as the Mayor put it, “workers should not have to fear for their jobs for reasons that have nothing to do with their performance.” Ms. Hughes asked the Council to please vote in favor of Bill 9-12 to ensure equal rights for all. 12