The Board of Education of Jefferson County, which includes the city of Louisville, was met with a crowd of over 400 people last night as a debate over adding LGBT anti-discrimination protections to its policy. Eleven protections are already in place, but before last night gay, lesbian and transgender people could still be harassed and discriminated against with no accountability.
WLKY reports: “After hearing from dozens of speakers on both sides of the issue last night, the board voted 4-3 to update the policy. The close vote mirrored the feelings of those in the crowd, with both sides vowing to continue the fight. Supporters wanted the board to go further and include gender identity. But opponents argued the current policy covers every person and the change wasn't needed. The board also had the support of the Jefferson County Teachers Association.” (VIDEO)
As the meeting assembled, the Courier-Journal reported: “Some came to the meeting in church vans. Opponents of the policy change held signs that read: ‘Protect the Children.' Proponents of the policy change are holding signs that read: ‘Fairness For All' and ‘Protect All Workers.' Four JCPS security officers and four police officer contracted to help provide security are at the meeting to keep order.”
In related news, at the beginning of November, Kentucky voters rejected the gay-baiting tactics of incumbent governor Ernie Fletcher and voted in Democrat Steve Beshear. Let's hope these positive signs from Kentucky are a signal of things to come throughout the country.
(image courier-journal)
