JACKSON HOLE, WYO – Perhaps no proposed piece of legislation has been so carefully and critically followed as the town’s drafting of its non-discrimination ordinance (NDO) protecting the LGBTQ community.
The law itself would cover:
Discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity or expression impacts all citizens who may be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or trans gender, because it limits the ability to fully and freely identify themselves as they seek employment, housing, and the services and products provided by public accommodations.
Any act, policy or practice that has the effect of unfavorably subjecting any person to different or separate treatment because of his or her actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or association with a person or group of people so identified, or on the belief that a person has a particular sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, even if that belief is incorrect.
Second Reading prompts second coming
Again, dozens of citizens chose to take advantage of the public speaking comment period, some making the trip from as far away as Thayne, Evanston, Sundance, Laramie, and Denver—causing one local, Matt Stech, to quip: “Already our NDO seems to be boosting the local economy.”
Some 34 took to the dais—split fairly evenly on both sides of the issue. An issue that has taken on more than two sides in the weeks and months it has been debated.
Opposition takes mainly two forms. On sociopolitical grounds, some argued the non-discrimination ordinance actually defines, protects, classifies, and elevates a particular segment of society above others, and that in itself is discrimination.
Kathy Russell, representing the state Republican Party, said it was the GOP’s stance that all citizens are afforded equal protections already under the Constitution and the “passage of any ordinance providing special privileges to any special group will result in discrimination against a larger group.”
Michael Yin, who is running as a state representative for House District 16, said state statute does not offer sufficient protections.
Religious and personal moral values were also cited by many. Pastors, reverends, and leaders of area churches spoke of the LGBTQ lifestyle as one needing love, compassion and understanding but not necessarily tolerance for their sinning.
Episcopal priest Mary Erickson, as well as Rev. Inger Hanson of Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church, both found room in their churches for an inclusive congregation.
Others in support of the NDO are gay or lesbian themselves, or know someone who is. Many gave personal testimony about fears they face daily for who they are. Some also had firsthand experience with discrimination.
Judgment
Town councilors listened patiently for one and a half hours before voting unanimously to approve the NDO at second reading. One more to go until it becomes a misdemeanor, with a threat of a $750 fine, to discriminate against someone in Jackson because of their perceived sexuality or gender identification.
