Tuesday, July 20, 2010
News Council Members Offer Mixed Opinions on Non-Discrimination Ordinance
Posted by Bianca Phillips on Tue, Jul 20, 2010 at 10:00 AM
At a city council committee meeting this morning, several council members expressed support for an ordinance protecting city employees on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. But it quickly became clear that a couple of more conservative council members were opposed to offering LGBT protections. Awaiting the opinion of Mayor A C Wharton's office, the council voted to move the ordinance downstairs for further discussion at the August 10th council meeting.
- Janis Fullilove
The ordinance's sponsor Janis Fullilove pleaded a passionate case for equal treatment of LGBT city workers, as well as employees working for companies contracting with the city. Fullilove called the need for equality at City Hall a "human issue," and praised FedEx for taking the lead by adopting a similar policy protecting their workers. She also addressed the concerns of some conservative Christians that a non-discrimination ordinance would allow transgender people to use restrooms for the opposite sex.
"I know there are a lot of people with concerns about people going to the restroom. But how many times do you go into a restroom and look into the stall and ask, what are you? A man or a woman?" Fullilove said.
She continued: "If you had a daughter or son who was gay, would you not want them to be able to work and support themselves?"
Council member Shea Flinn and Edmund Ford Jr. also expressed support. Ford also asked to amend the non-discrimination ordinance to include age, national origin, and disability. Flinn suggested that the council hold the ordinance until August 3rd to determine the opinion of Mayor Wharton's administration.
Supporters of the ordinance literally sat across the room from opponents of LGBT protections (many of them wearing "one man, one woman" stickers as if the discussion were about gay marriage). Tennessee Equality Project's Jonathan Cole, whose equality organization helped draft the ordinance, spoke on behalf of the ordinance's supporters.
"Right now, it's totally legal for the city or someone who contracts with the city to fire someone for being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender," Cole said. Cole cited a few stories he'd heard about city employees being denied promotions and even fired after their employer learned their sexual orientation.
Following Cole, Steve Gaines, pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church, spoke in opposition, but it seemed as though he didn't fully understand the scope of the ordinance. Gaines talked as though he believed the ordinance would affect private businesses, but it actually only affects city workers and companies who contract with the city.
"What if a Christian childcare facility is forced to hire a man dressed like a woman?" Gaines asked.
Speaking on the city contract issue, Gaines said, "I'm concerned that a Christian business owner can't do business with Memphis, Tennessee because he can't violate his own conscience."
While Gaines spoke, council person Barbara Swearengen Ware nodded her head in agreement.
"Is there a box on the application that requires people to check gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender? Then how do I know you are unless you're trying to flaunt it in my face?" Ware asked. She contended that the city didn't need this ordinance because it's already an equal opportunity employer. Council person Bill Boyd also expressed opposition to the ordinance.
Council person Jim Strickland asked Gaines if he'd support an ordinance that only protected city workers on the basis of sexual orientation, removing gender identity and expression. Gaines said he'd have to think on it, but that it would be "more palatable."
The ordinance is scheduled for discussion at the full council on August 10th.
Comments (25)
Showing 1-25 of 25
Since this does not affect private employees, why is Strickland pandering to Steve Gaines here? Why do we care WHAT he thinks, since it does not affect him or his church?
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If a CHristian business owner isn't willing to pay any price for his "conscience" perhaps his faith doesn't mean that much to him. Want to discriminate? FIne, don't do business with the city then.
I would like to know how doing business with the city, and not discriminating against gays, is going to go against some business owners "christian" principles?
Does the bible instruct christians not to hire gays? Anyone?
They read the Bible in a way that tells them oppose it, at any cost. Lest those abominations be socially acceptable after the mystery is deflated and everyone sees just how "common" gay people are, as common as straight people, black people, Christians and non-Christians. By spooking the horses, the smallest grasshopper on the ground is instantly a predatory tiger waiting to make them lunch.
Gaines doesn't want Gay protections prohibited: he wants Gay people prohibited. The more society actually follows that long arc towards justice, the more they fear that this hope of theirs is getting smaller and smaller as the plausibility of their crap dries up in front of them.
I love it. "You must continue to discriminate so that I can continue to make money off you."
Steve Gaines? Like he's got some lofty holy highground here. Isn't he the preacher who let a pedophile stay on the Bellevue payroll for years without saying a word? Just another Jerry Falwell wannabe.
Reverend Tub o' Lard did nothing about this until the Dept. of Children's Services came out to Six Flags over Jesus and started asking questions.
Bellevue Baptist Church Report - Paul Williams’ “egregious, perverse sexual activity with his adolescent son over a period of 12 to 18 months.”
Isn't it curious that the opponents of workplace equality would choose Steve Gaines to speak on their behalf, a man who knowingly retained a child molester on his church staff for over 6 months. Bellevue Baptist Church's own report on the matter said Gaines made a mistake by not immediately relieving Williams of his duties and seeking counsel on the matter.
http://www.stopbaptistpredators.org/articl…
Seriously? We are supposed to listen to this man as a source of moral authority and sound judgment?
I just don't understand all this talk about how it should be so simple as to not discuss one's sexuality at work.
Would those of you who perceive that this would eliminate the need for a non-discrimination ordinance prefer that we just issue a workplace ban on heterosexuals discussing their lives? Having children indicates that you have had intercouse and is, in fact, a blatant display of sexual activity unsuitable for the workplace.
The reason it is important that someone not be fired or demoted because they are gay is because everyone asks. Everyone asks what you've done the night before or the previous weekend. Unless they're kept tightly secured, Facebook, Myspace, Twitter and even LinkedIn accounts are a source of gossip in an office when someone tries to hide their sexual orientation.
Before you say sexual orientation should be not discussed in the workplace think about this. How would you like to not be able to have a photo of YOUR family in your locker, on your desk, or as the wall paper on your cell phone?
More mental masturbation amd wasting of tax payer money from liberals.
The Constitution already guarantees these freedoms. But that's the real problem we are having. Liberals don't care about the Constitution but instead care about soothing their own bias and racism by granting as many handouts as people will ask for, as long as it is the name os " EQUALITY"
To me, the entire concept of two guys being married is silly. Not just silly, but silly as a MF'er. However, there's no law against doing silly shit When I need to take a squirt I could care less who's next to me at the pickle park.
Look at this Marty chick. In 5 of "his" last 6 posts he has made references to my penis and then topped it off by researching my Alma Mater to determine that our team mascot, the penguin supposedly has homosexual behavior engrained in the species.
The questions arise about Miss Marty.
1) How does he know what my penis looks like?
2) Why does he care so much about my schlong?
3) He continually tries to hint that I am gay. As if calling me gay is an insult? Is it? I never found it to be an insult.
Marty, you don't need to sell us on your lifestyle. It's perfectly fine, girl.
Furthermore I guess what this chick Marty is insinuating is that there is something degrading about being gay? Hell, homos find me charming, buy me drinks all the time and are big fans of accordion music.
Women like Marty don't understand the difference between being a good old street kid and being a homophobe. So you're a polesmoker Marty? I got no problem with that. By all means, if a church will marry you, you and Neon Drag Queen should pursuit the life that makes you happy.
Here's the problem regarding Reverend Gaines. His Bible Interpretation, which is on solid ground, indicates that homosexuality is wrong; a sin, if you will. If it is, it is no more so than all the other deviations people bring into church.
God never prevented "sinners" from coming to worship. If being gay IS a sin, it is one between consenting adults and will be handled privately between God and the person involved. Just like adultery, drunkeness and all the other stuff we aren't supposed to do.
BY teh way, speaking of pole-smokers, you guys need to Google " LADY CaCa" and check out her parody on Lady GaGa called " I shit my pants: Sherry Vine is the dude'sname and he is one talented guy.
I am writing a song for him called " What Do You Do When Your Girfriend Has A Wiener"
Tommy,
How is freedom from discrimination protected in the Constitution?
How much will this cost the tax payer?
Do you have fingers, or are you typing with stubs, or kitchen mitts.
"Is there a box on the application that requires people to check gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender? Then how do I know you are unless you're trying to flaunt it in my face?" Ware asked
Oh Barbara, you flaunt your stupidity in our faces all the time and yet you keep your job! Shouldn't the gay folks have the same opportunity?
I find it odd that companies throw away their property rights and association rights by signing foolish contracts, LLC, etc. in becoming bed-fellows with the state.
You find it odd because you don't know caca about running a modern business. Why don't you build a large business for yourself and continue to bear full liability by owning it just in your name. You'd be a fool if you did that.
I guess Gaines, doesn't check public opinion here or at the CA.
Stephen (meaning crown or garland), the first martyr to lay down their life in the name of Christ (after Jesus himself), who was the first Deacon of the new church because he was fair and just (even-steven) really is very perturbed to have a man using his name apostatize the Word of the Lord.
Sorry, not enough coffee yet--this should read . . .
I guess Gaines doesn't check public opinion here or at the CA.
Stephen (meaning crown or garland), the first martyr to lay down their life in the name of Christ (after Jesus himself), who was the first Deacon of the new church because he was fair and just (even-steven), really is very perturbed to have a man using his name apostatize the Word of the Lord.
Sarge, you call people stupid then make a comment about checking a box for being GLBT.
Well you are right about being Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual. You are wrong about being transgendered. There is commonly a box asking about "other names you have used." Those who have transitioned and are living as their identifed sex are still required to put their former names down. That would cause that person to out themselves or face being fired for not providing all the information.
By the way, studies of those who have gender transitioned indicate a very high level of educaiton (60%+ have Master's Degrees) and very high IQs (generally 120+) and excellent job loyalty and performance.
Hey DrDrDrDr. Reread my post - I pulled the quote about "checking the box" from Councilwoman Ware. She said it. NOT. ME.
However I did, in essence, call her stupid for making the flaunt comment.
Why should anyone even have to ask an a'hole like Steve Gaines anything in the first place?
What about being a horrible employee? Can you fire them for that? Nope!! To many parachuttes as is....I'm black, I'm a woman, I'm disabled, I'm of this religion.....If ANY of you have ever gone through the firing process of a toxic employee you will know what kind of a headache it is and how much time and money it takes to prove that employee X was not worth the money he/she was being paid. It is sad that this society cannot buckle down and provide for themselves and their families anymore. The moment they feel in jeopardy of their job they say it has to do with some "victimization" they feel. Work hard. Do your job. Do it well and there is no problem.....
“It threatens our freedom of speech, of assembly, or association, and makes the exercise of these Freedoms a federal crime under certain conditions. Ministers, lawyers, teachers, newspapers, and every private citizen must guard his speech and watch his actions to avoid the deliberately imposed booby traps put into this bill. It is designed to make Federal crimes of our customs, beliefs, and traditions.”
That was Governor Wallace, opposing similar legislation that would protect Blacks. Same arguments then as now - only the victim group has changed.
Why is this such a BIG deal? Why are so many of you so small minded? You may need to come out of the closet and dust off the cob webs from 50 years plus of being stagnant.
Get out of Memphis once and awhile. There is a very BIG world with lots of bright colors, happy people and wonderment just waiting. You may be surprised, you may experience that life is more than "black and white" and that the "war is over."
Memphis is way behind the rest of the civilized world.
Most everyone that reads this, has family that is a member of the LGBT community, or will. You work side by side members of the LGBT community. When you call the fire dept, the police dept, end up in the ER, your kids teachers, your clergy, your postal delivery person, your doctor, your lawyer, your grocer, your kids coach, the person working in the gym next to you, seated next to you in a diner, heck the chef preparing your meal, your server can and probably are members of the LGBT community.
However, if you read the paper, watch the news, local or national, what you will find day after day is headlines of "hetrosexuals" committing crime after crime after crime after crime.
Husbands beating their wives, children, men raping women, clergy molesting, male doctors molesting their female patients, men and women murdering each other, drug deals, gang members, white collar crime, not paying child support or alimony, drunk driving, beating their animals, etc.
"IF" these crimes were committed by ANY member of the LGBT community YOU would hear about it, IT would be splashed ALL over the news. There would be "good old fashioned witch hunts" to prove how EVIL the LGBT community is.
The crime statistics are out there for anyone that wants to "educate" themselves. Rape alone by hetrosexual men on a woman is a staggering number, then let's throw in drunk driving, and white collar crime. ALL of these and so many more are the poison in our society. Children born out of wedlock, I'd like to see that blamed on the LGBT community! Those numbers are mind blowing and certainly the ruin of our society according to numerous churches.
With the divorce rate in the hetrosexual community, hetrosexual men and women having affairs on each other, hetrosexual men wanting their fantasy fulfilled with another woman and their wife or girlfriend, porn, nightclubs for men with strippers, for hetrosexual men that are married of course.
Do Not even get me started on "Christians" that have their own "closeted secrets" that come out and when they do, it's always a hoot to hear how they try and "explain" them away.
"IF" you demand that YOU have the right as a bigot or so called Christian, to NOT have to "hire" someone from the LGBT community, then allow us the same right. Make it legal for us NOT to hire YOU. It's ALL about Equality, It ALWAYS has been!
Who are the hetrosexuals to be giving any advice to the LGBT community? Or challenging anyones rights?
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