Various cities in Midwest U.S. debating gay rights measures

[Shana A]

 [Google]
Various cities in Midwest U.S. debating gay rights measures
Monday, August 27, 2012
By ALAN SCHER ZAGIER ~ The Associated Press

http://www.semissourian.com/story/1886961.html

As the elected leaders in the city of 160,000 debate whether to prohibit discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Doenning and other activists are optimistic. They also know legal protections are anything but assured in a city that's home to the national headquarters of the Assemblies of God Church and three Bible colleges.

Across the Midwest, from regional economic hubs in southwest Missouri such as Springfield to the Kansas plains and Nebraska college towns, the battle for gay rights is playing out in city halls and town squares, often with opponents of expanded nondiscrimination laws trying to reverse decisions by government officials.

"Places like Springfield, Missouri, are the trenches of this battle right now," Doenning said.