09/12/2008
Flagstaff, Arizona Holds Hearing on Proposed Gay Rights Ordinance
The town of Flagstaff, Arizona, where two men were assaulted earlier this year following a "Pride in the Pines" festival, held public hearings Tuesday over whether or not sexual orientation should be extended to existing civil rights laws in the city.
"Equality in Flagstaff has become a hot topic ever since the city proposed an ordinance that would extend civil rights to gays, lesbians, and transgender persons. The city's Diversity Awareness Commission Chair Charlotte Dodgson said the ordinance is part of an inclusive communities initiative. 'I think it's something that is very needed in a community. For people to come out and state their feelings and their beliefs on changes to any ordinance in a city council.' Tuesday's meeting was the first of a series of public forums organized to stimulate public conversation about the issue."
A hearing in August brought out vocal opponents and supporters: "The two sides clashed over the merits of adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the list of civil rights that are protected in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations and education in Flagstaff. One woman told the council she thought the proposed ordinance could be abused by pedophiles and worried about the safety of her three young daughters when using public toilets. Another woman countered that gays, lesbians, bisexuals and the transgendered in Flagstaff would continue to be legally discriminated against in their workplace, public places and even in their homes unless the council adopts the proposed ordinance. Both sides quoted short passages from the Bible to make their case."
A report, following more hearings, is expected in early December.
Watch clips from the most recent hearing, AFTER THE JUMP...
Posted 10:37 AM EST by Andy Towle in Arizona, Discrimination, Gay Rights, News | Permalink
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Yeah, here in Seattle the gays have lots of protections and little girls are panicked about using public restrooms. It's a crying shame that doth pander to the ignorant (Jeheebus 24:3).
Posted by: David R. | Sep 12, 2008 11:50:40 AM
Interesting. We have really good straight friends who live in Flagstaff, and will probably be fighting on the side of the angels with this. It's intriguing how many Western states like Wyoming, Colorado, Nevada, and Arizona purport to have a Libertarian streak running through them, i.e. "Stay off my land and don't you or the government tell me what to do," but then some folks try to bring the law in to discriminate. Barry Goldwater would not approve.
Posted by: Dback | Sep 12, 2008 1:09:37 PM
Thanks DBACK, we also have the Mormon church promoting another divisive marriage ammendment in AZ, BG would be pissed off big time!
Posted by: Ty | Sep 12, 2008 4:56:57 PM
Golly yes, let's hear it for the dang mormons. Our state constitution was ammended with barely a whisper of dissent here in Utah. Our only hope is a rising tide of states that recognize same sex marriage that force our courts to do the same. We are backward here, but sure as heck hate to have it pointed out by others.
Posted by: Rikard | Sep 14, 2008 8:58:42 AM