Aaron Bowman to submit new HRO bill

[Tacachale]

I repeat, any bill that doesn't include exemptions for religious institutions would fail in Jacksonville, Florida, full stop.

Overall, the bill (minus yesterday's amendment) is a good bill. It protects people who aren't protected now, and won't be for a long time if it fails.

Second committee meeting discussing the HRO is going on now.

[CG7]

I guess I am so blindingly against treating a human being different than another human being for just being who they are, that I honestly don't understand how anyone can justify discriminating against someone for any reason, be it religious or otherwise. I always thought most religions taught you to love others as you love yourself. Maybe I just love myself so much I don't have room to hate people for once again just being themselves. Oh well what the hell do I know.

[Tacachale]

I repeat, any bill that doesn't include exemptions for religious institutions would fail in Jacksonville, Florida, full stop.

Overall, the bill (minus yesterday's amendment) is a good bill. It protects people who aren't protected now, and won't be for a long time if it fails.

Second committee meeting discussing the HRO is going on now.

Having spoken with the council people who oppose the bill, they are actually open to defining the religious exemption language, and in fact tried to do so yesterday.

The idea that there is no negotiating on this portion of the language isn't based on reality.

Reportedly, Crescimbeni proposed an amendment today defining the religious exemption language, and it failed. If it doesn't get out of committee, it doesn't get voted on. Today's was the most HRO-supportive committee.

[Tacachale]

HRO passed the Rules Committee today, 6-1. Danny Becton was the one "no".

[Tacachale]

Tomorrow, the Finance Committee, will be a much tougher test. The Vice Chair is anti-HRO councilman Matt Schellenberg. Gulliford, another anti-HRO guy, is there as well. The only clear yes is bill sponsor Aaron Bowman; Republicans Anna Brosche, Sam Newby and Greg Anderson and Democrat Katrina Brown are playing it pretty close to the chest.

[dbjax]

The Chair is anti-HRO councilman Matt Schellenberg.

Yeah, he'd be the Vice-Chair. Anna Lopez Brosche is the Finance Chair this term.

And Anderson voted Yes today...

[Tacachale]

The Chair is anti-HRO councilman Matt Schellenberg.

Yeah, he'd be the Vice-Chair. Anna Lopez Brosche is the Finance Chair this term.

And Anderson voted Yes today...

Thanks, corrected.

[Spitfire]

It's out of Finance with a 4 to 3 vote, with an amendment for religious exemptions to be discussed next Tuesday.

[Tacachale]

Bill Gulliford, Sam Newby, and Matt Schellenberg voted no, Aaron Bowman, Anna Brosche, Greg Anderson and Katrina Brown voted yes.

The 50 employee amendment that passed on Monday but failed yesterday, failed today 4-3. Gulliford did end up proposing the rumored referendum amendment, the nuclear option of the anti-HRO crowd, but this failed 5-2, with Schellenberg dissenting. Apparently, Crescimbeni sarcastically asked if we should put the entire ordinance, race, religion and all, up for referendum, as the other categories were added by council ordinance rather than popular vote. I'd like to have seen Gulliford's face on that one.

Another amendment was added to clarify the language on religious entities that are exempted; this was passed by all parties.

Recap from Florida Politics:

http://floridapolitics.com/archives/231767-referendum-threat-looms-jacksonville-hro-clears-final-city-council-committee

[Tacachale]

Final vote is today

http://www.news4jax.com/news/hro-expansion-vote-goes-to-full-council-tuesday

Last chance to contact your City Council representatives:

http://www.coj.net/city-council.aspx#digital_river_frame_1

Unless you're against it. If so, you can wait till tomorrow

[Jimmy]

LOL!  ^^

[KenFSU]

Huge night for the city.

Let's get 13.

[Tacachale]

HRO passes!

The vote was 12-6, with Democrat Katrina Brown a no-show. It's law of the mayor doesn't veto.

http://floridapolitics.com/archives/232115-jacksonville-hro

Happy Valentine's, Jacksonville!

[KenFSU]

What a huge step forward for Jacksonville.

I'm proud of our city tonight.

[edjax]

HRO passes!

The vote was 12-6, with Democrat Katrina Brown a no-show. It's law of the mayor doesn't veto.

http://floridapolitics.com/archives/232115-jacksonville-hro

Happy Valentine's, Jacksonville!

Did the issue regarding business of 15 to 50 pass?  This article does not mention that at all. However a story on News4Jax indicates that it was increased to 50. Anybody know for sure?