Omaha mayor signs ordinance banning LGBT employment discrimination

Mayor Jim Suttle on Thursday signed the “Equal Omaha” ordinance, a measure that would prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Local groups who oppose the new law said they’re not backing down from trying to get it repealed or rescinded.

“To think somehow we don’t care for them or think they should have less rights, that’s not what we’re saying. But at the same time, don’t trample on, don’t walk on our first amendment rights.  By granting special rights to one group, the city is taking rights from another,” said James Patterson, senior pastor at Trinity Hope Foursquare Church.

I can only assume the pastor means his right to discriminate is being taken away.

Proponents of the ordinance are happy the fight is over for now.

“Today, I can say, we are Nebraska, we are Omaha and we are proud to be here,” said Michael Gordon of Equal Omaha.

The Omaha city council approved the controversial ordinance earlier this week — the law is scheduled to take effect on March 28.

Omaha passes LGBT employment protections

From The Republic.com: The Omaha City Council has just approved a city law by a vote of 4-3 protecting LGBT people from employment discrimination.

The proposal, put forward by Councilman Ben Gray, would apply to employers, employment agencies, job training programs, labor groups, public accommodations and businesses that contract with the city. It also would provide exemptions for religious organizations.

A similar proposal failed to pass in October 2010 on a 3-3 vote. Nebraska's anti-discrimination laws and federal regulations don't extend protection to gay and transgender people.

The Human Right Campaign reacts via press release.

“Omaha is a world class city that now joins the ranks of other major American cities standing strong for fairness,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “The city council should be proud for affirming the principle that what matters is how you do your job, not who you are.” HRC is proud to have partnered with Equal Omaha in advocating for the ordinance. The organization activated its local members and supporters as well as provided local leaders with strategic advice and financial support. HRC also provided data from its workplace project that shows 86 percent of Fortune 500 companies have their own policies against sexual orientation non-discrimination and nearly half cover gender identity."