Live blogging the vote for 2012-296, human rights ordinance.

[Jimmy]

so what is the status of the bill now after the 2-3 against vote?

The bill was approved in two committees yesterday by 4-3 vote in each committee.  And of course it failed today in one committee by a vote of 3-2.  The good news is, because the bill was heard by all of its committees and voted upon, it is now discharged from all three committees and is ready for its final vote at the full council meeting August 15.

if people want to help out in anyway, now would be a good time to email your council representatives and tell them to please vote in favor of 2012â€"296.

Thank you, AshleyLauren, for the good words. I wasn't offended by Mr. Redman today. That ship has long since sailed.

[vicupstate]

I wasn't offended by Mr. Redman today. That ship has long since sailed.

Well, you can be re-offended, can't you?

The thing is, you told him the very thing that he wanted to hear (regarding the Boy Scouts), but because it was the opinion of a gay man, it was not legitimate.  Says a lot about him as a person, but nothing new.

[Jimmy]

That's a fair point, but I think my bar for being offended has been set pretty high over the last couple months by some of these city council members. 

What a frustrating process.

[Dionna]

Redmond lives downtown and runs unopposed so he continues to win by default, and Daniels someone who lives in her district needs to run against her. As long as it's the same ole same ole council in there year after it will continue to be a city that continues to move backwards

[Charles Hunter]

Fortunately, Redman is term-limited, and can't run next time around; same with Clay.  Although I will be surprised if Yarborough doesn't run for Legislature.

[Timkin]

Fortunately, Redman is term-limited, and can't run next time around; same with Clay.  Although I will be surprised if Yarborough doesn't run for Legislature.

Well there is at least a little bit of a silver lining. 

[AshleyLauren]

I wasn't offended by Mr. Redman today. That ship has long since sailed.

Well, you can be re-offended, can't you?

The thing is, you told him the very thing that he wanted to hear (regarding the Boy Scouts), but because it was the opinion of a gay man, it was not legitimate.  Says a lot about him as a person, but nothing new.

Jimmy, if only we all had your sensibilities, but I agree with Vicupstate here. I swear he almost said, "Can I hear from a straight man?" Not, "Can I hear from the other man?". If I had been you I would have stood right there and waited for the other guys and when it was duplicated ask Mr. Redman if the straight answer sufficed?? Not to tell you how to feel. It really upset me though. That he is that ridiculous of human being. That he is that rude, ignorant, and down right despicable, and that he is allowed to represent the city of Jacksonville. His entire district should hide in their homes.

[Jimmy]

If anyone would like to show support, we're having a friends and family rally this afternoon from 6:30p - 8:00p at Memorial Park.

Would be glad to welcome our friends to the urban core to show support for a more inclusive Jacksonville.  The vote Wednesday will be close.

https://www.facebook.com/events/252973074819947/

[Jimmy]

Today's the day.  The Council vote on 2012-296 is expected to happen this afternoon. 

If you'd like to make one last push to help us, check out the link below.  5 easy steps to email the whole council a final message of support.

http://jimmymidyette.com/post/29428689529/296-closing

[fsquid]

so this is the end game?  Pass or fail today, right?

[Jimmy]

Based on everything we've been told, today is the vote.  Pass or fail.

[Bridges]

Today's the day.  The Council vote on 2012-296 is expected to happen this afternoon. 

If you'd like to make one last push to help us, check out the link below.  5 easy steps to email the whole council a final message of support.

http://jimmymidyette.com/post/29428689529/296-closing

Done!  Good template Jimmy.

[AshleyLauren]

Based on everything we've been told, today is the vote.  Pass or fail.

Time to bring it home. After weeks, months, of covering this bill for MJC as an intern it has become a conversation in my day to day life. I have explained the bill to individuals, flat out argued with a few makebates, and cried over stories told. I am continually astonished by the members of our city council and the terrible, judgmental, tenuous, and naive arguments they have conjured up in their feeble attempt to detour the success of bill 296.

Tonight, pass or fail, it will be an emotional evening. To the LGBT community and council member Jones, hold your heads up high. The criticism you have endured during this time has only strengthened your power as a community and proven your abilities to overcome adversity while rising above the weak. Make no mistake no matter which side concedes tonight you have proven your worth to our city.

Thank you for your words, highly valued knowledge, and insightful Conversation with me about this bill. Hopefully, history is made tonight.

[AshleyLauren]

What are our thoughts about the children protesting???

[fsquid]

how old are the kids?