Discrimination on the ballot in Bowling Green, Ohio
Filed by: Guest Blogger
September 26, 2010 1:00 PM
http://www.bilerico.com/2010/09/discrimination_on_the_ballot_in_bowling_green_ohio.php (http://www.bilerico.com/2010/09/discrimination_on_the_ballot_in_bowling_green_ohio.php)
Editor's Note: Kim Welter Is Director of Programs for Equality Ohio. She's taking a leave of absence from Equality Ohio to serve as Campaign Director for ONE Bowling Green.
On August 17, 2009, the Bowling Green City Council passed Ordinances 7905 and 7906, expanding non-discrimination protections to now include: gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, and HIV status among other characteristics. The new Unlawful Discrimination Ordinance extends protection in employment, public accommodation and access to public education. The amended Fair Housing Ordinance adds the new classes to existing City law.
An opposition group led by Gary Thompson, Mary Vollmar and Douglas Freeman, filed petitions to place both ordinances up for a repeal vote in the November 2, 2010 general election. The petitions were certified and enforcement of the ordinances has been held in abeyance pending the November vote.