04-27-09 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING APRIL 27, 2009 Felix Marquez – 115 N. St. Louis, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he is a student at IUSB and will be graduating in two years and as a gay man he is afraid of what would happen to him if his future employer would find out that he was gay. Also as an international student who came from a country that at some point did not respect the human rights and is sad to know that South Bend does not respect the human rights of every individual. He urged the Council to consider passing an amendment that could respect all human rights. April Odynski – 536 S. Sunnyside, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she was here three years ago for this same conversation and was very moved by those Councilmember’s that supported this amendment. She encouraged the Council to consider amending the human rights ordinance to include language for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons. She stated that she works at IUSB and is very proud to be part of a group called the Campus Ally Network, comprised of staff, faculty and students who are committed to supporting the rights of all students on campus, especially GLBT students. This is a group that is supported by the Chancellor and the Chancellor’s cabinet and it has been great to be a part of that group. She certain hopes that South Bend is ready to take that next step and join some many other municipalities that recognize all of their citizens and protect every single citizen. She stated that no one loses when it is guaranteed that everyone has equal rights. She stated that she is optimistic about the next steps here. Henry Vasquez – Notre Dame College Democrats President, Notre Dame, Indiana, stated that everyone should have basic human rights and that it took progressive changes in this country for African-Americans to be treated equally. Mr. Vasquez said he hopes Council Members will take a stand and be part of the next movement to guarantee rights for GLBT individuals. COMMENTS REGARDING BILL NO. 29-09 Thomas Klempay – 1733 S. Walnut, South Bend, Indiana, asked if he could speak regarding Bill No. 29-09 that was on tonight’s agenda. Council President Dieter advised Mr. Klempay that he cannot discuss any item that appeared on tonight’s agenda. However, he advised Mr. Klempay that he can discuss the bill with any Councilmember after the meeting. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the President Derek D. Dieter adjourned the meeting at 8:34 p.m. ATTEST: ATTEST: ____________________________ ____________________________ John Voorde, City Clerk Derek D. Dieter, President 13