The Bozeman, Montana City Council voted 4-0 to approve an LGBT nondiscrimination ordinance at its meeting last night, NBC Montana reports:
Before commissioners could vote, they listened to more than two hours of public comment from members of the community. Around 55 people took to the podium to speak on the ordinance, which would protect individuals from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
People have been showing up to meetings for months to speak on the topic, but this was the second round of official public comment. The comments ranged from people who were in full support of the ordinance, to those against, and everywhere in between.
The measure was passed following some changes from the mayor regarding religious exemptions, the Helena Independent Record adds:
Commissioners exempted religious schools and corporations from the hiring requirements. They also exempted goods or facilities provided for a service that is primarily religious in nature from the public accommodations requirements.
Commissioners will need to vote one more time at an upcoming meeting before the ordinance becomes law.
