QuoteNew Kzoo personnel policy to address sexual orientation

Updated: Aug 17, 2006 04:19 AM




KALAMAZOO -- The County Commission in Kalamazoo is voting on an issue affecting the rights of gay and lesbian county employees.

Members of the community and commissioners are split down the middle. But in the end the Commission voted in favor of changing its personnel policy to address the issue of sexual orientation

In matters involving employment, promotion, wages and discipline, the Kalamazoo County Personnel policy will now include language prohibiting discrimination against anyone because of that person's political affiliation, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Commissioner David Buskirk proposed the policy change and said it is long overdue.  "It's also time that we support our employees.  Two years ago I watched a young lady who was a gay employee give her 25 year pin back in tears and that's not right.  That's not supporting our employees.  That's discriminatory," said Kalamazoo County Commissioner David Buskirk.