2/6/2012
By CHRIS HUNTER
A proposal to add sexual orientation and gender identity to protected classes under the city’s equal opportunity and affirmative action ordinance could come before the Salina City Commission as soon as 90 days.
The proposal was brought before the city commission Monday by Janice Norlin, a Salina attorney, during the meeting’s citizen forum. The change would make it illegal to discriminate against people because they are homosexual, transgendered or bisexual.
Commissioners voted 3-2 on the motion to direct city staff to place the change on the agenda in the next three months. Mayor Samantha Angell and Norm Jennings were opposed. Jennings had asked for time for the city to "do it right."
Norlin asked the city to approve the change Monday.
"This is the civil rights issue of the 21st century," Norlin told commissioners.
City Manager Jason Gage had urged the city to take its time and look at all aspects, including the effects the proposed ordinance would have on the city.
"I don’t see the perceived far-reaching repercussions, unless I am just stupid," said Commissioner Aaron Householter. "This is a serious issue. I don’t see it is worth this obnoxious fight. Are we a city that protects people’s rights or a city that is going to water this thing down and drag it out six months. We don’t need five, 10, 15 or 20 meetings on this thing. This is basic human rights."
Householter’s comments drew applause from the crowd.
Gage said the city often has followed state law regarding protected classes. Sexual orientation and gender identity are not protected under state law.
"The state and federal government doesn’t push the agenda in Salina," Householter said. "This is my city. We make our own rules. We will dictate and legislate what human standards are. We led with the smoking ordinance and the state followed behind. We can do it here, too."



Read more about this issue in Tuesday's Journal.

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