JACKSON HOLE, WYO – The Executive Committee of the Teton County Republican Party voted to formally endorse an ordinance proposed by the Town of Jackson to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
“Fairness, respect and compassion should transcend party lines,” said party chair Paul Vogelheim. “The Teton County Republican Party strongly supports these shared community values and believes that every citizen is equal before, and equally protected by, the law. We applaud the Jackson Town Council for their leadership on this important issue.”
Last week, the town passed on first reading an ordinance that makes it a misdemeanor to discriminate in employment, places of public accommodation and housing. The ordinance requires two more votes before becoming law.
Earlier this year, the Teton County Republican Platform adopted a series of platforms reflective of the shared values and principles of Teton County Republicans. This included embracing “Respect and Compassion for Individual Rights and Freedoms.”
The resolution adopted as part of the party platform states that “the protection of personal freedoms and liberties is the bedrock of the Republican party. The protection of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness applies to every human being. We believe that every citizen is equal before, equally protected by, and equally subject to, the law.”
Upon passage, Jackson will become only the second community in Wyoming to criminalize discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
