RECENT UPDATES
05/05/2010 - Forum discusses proposed human rights ordinance. More...
05/03/2010 - Commissioner Proctor requests additional security at HRO public hearing. More...
05/01/2010 - FSU professor shares thoughts about human rights ordinance. More...
04/27/2010 - Ministers rally to support Leon gay-rights ordinance. More...
04/23/2010 - Chamber of Commerce issues clarification regarding human rights ordinance; makes commitment to educate business community on proposed changes. More...
SUPPORT HUMAN RIGHTS IN LEON COUNTY!
On April 27th, the Leon County Commission voted 4-3 to move the proposed Leon County Human Rights Ordinance to a public hearing. Dozens of Leon County residents came out in support of the ordinance, forcing the Leon County Commission to extend its meeting well into the late-evening. The Commission's approval for a public hearing represents a huge victory for human rights!
Our opposition is organizing and Commissioners are hearing from them! In order to see this ordinance approved at the May 11th public hearing, we must let our Commissioners know that we support this effort to end discrimination. Email them if you can - or better yet, call and ask to meet with them in person!
The Leon County Human Rights Ordinance, drafted by the County's Human Relations Advisory Committee and edited by County legal staff, would protect all Leon County citizens from discrimination in housing, employment and public accomodations.
You can help get this ordinance passed by doing the following:
- Attend the May 11th public hearing scheduled for 6pm. Come as early as possible and be prepared for a crowd. The hearing will be held in Commission Chambers, 5th Floor, Leon County Courthouse.
- 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. While you're at it, ask them to visit our website to print and display an "Equality Equals Good Business" poster.
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.
