CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OPPOSES HUMAN RIGHTS ORDINANCE
The Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce recently issued a statement opposing the human rights ordinance, despite being presented with evidence clearly showing it would help our local business community. After receiving a flood of phone calls and emails from supporters of the ordinance, the Chamber rescinded its statement and issued the following message:
04.23.2010 Clarification on Human Rights Ordinance
Sorry, Chamber! We've researched this for years. Support progress, not discrimination!
SUPPORT HUMAN RIGHTS IN LEON COUNTY!
On March 23rd, by a 4 to 3 vote, the Leon County Commission approved a draft ordinance submitted by the Leon County Human Relations Committee and forwarded it to County Legal Staff for final edits. This Ordinance will expand the County's existing anti-discrimination code to include protections for the LGBT community. The next step toward final passage will occur on April 27th where the Commission will discuss the final draft.
Your attendance at this April 27th meeting is critical. We must show up and let our commissioners know that we expect them to pass this law which will protect all Leon County citizens from discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations.
April 27th, 2010 - the Leon County Commission will move this ordinance to a May 11th Public Hearing. Your attendance at this public hearing is also critical. Our opposition is organizing and commissioners are hearing from them. The Commissioners need to hear from you. E-mail them if you can - but better yet - call and ask to meet with them in person!
You can help get this ordinance passed by doing the following:
- Attend the April 27th Regular Commission meeting at 3pm.
View the agenda online. - Attend the May 11th Public Hearing scheduled for 6pm. Come as early as possible and be prepared for a crowd.
- Use our EASY email tool to let the Leon County Commission know that you support these efforts!
- Talk to any LGBT owned or supportive businesses you know and ask them to attend the public hearing and to send a letter to the County Commission. It is important that the Commission feel like the business community is behind this.
WHAT DOES THE HUMAN RIGHTS PROPOSAL DO?
The proposal being considered by the Leon County Commissioners consists of:
- Amending the existing Fair Housing Code (Human Rights - Chapter 9) to add gender identity or expression to sexual orientation (which already exists in the code);
- Providing protection against employment discrimination for the LGBT Community with public and private employers, which would provide a private cause of action; and
- Establishing a volunteer human rights board to advise the commission on LGBT issues. VICTORY! In September, 2009, the Commission established the Leon County Human Relations Advisory Committee!
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS IN ADOPTING THESE CHANGES?
- Will protect ALL of Leon County's residents from employment- and housing-related discrimination, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Helps stem the "brain drain" of FSU and FAMU graduates. Studies show that open, tolerant communities are viewed most favorably by young professionals when they consider places to live and work after graduation.
- Creates a positive image for the Tallahassee-Leon County area that will attract more high quality businesses.
- Helps business owners and employers attract and retain the most diverse and talented workforce possible.
