Passions high as vote nearsJOSH BAUGH, ABE LEVY : SEPTEMBER 4, 2013
Opponents of proposed updates to the city's nondiscrimination ordinance implored the City Council on Wednesday to shift its support away from the measure while supporters rallied for Thursday's expected passage.
The scene repeated last week's demonstrations at City Hall, with a steady stream of speakers for and against controversial additions to the city's proposed ordinance that would add protections for sexual orientation, gender identity and veteran status to existing city code.
Foes of the measure, dressed in blue, urged the 11-member body to spike the imminent vote, or at least postpone it and craft a new proposal that wouldn't trample on their "religious freedoms."
Proponents, dressed in red, said the issue isn't a religious one. They argued that it's a struggle for human rights.
More than 700 people registered to speak Wednesday. By 10:30 p.m., less than a third had addressed the council.
