This is important, if not exactly front-page stuff.
Quote
Bill banning discrimination based on sexual orientation to be filed at Jacksonville City Council
Legislation to ban anti-gay discrimination could be introduced next week at Jacksonville's City Council.
The change is being backed by a web of business organizations and elected officials, who are framing it largely as a tool for promoting business growth.
The bill would bring Jacksonville into the same posture as other large Florida cities by formally forbidding discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations -- places like restaurants and hotels -- based on a person's sexual orientation or sexual identity.
"You shouldn't be able to fire someone because they're gay. You shouldn't be able to do that in Jacksonville," said former Mayor John Delaney, who has been active in assembling supporters for the legislation.
Jacksonville already has legislation that bans discrimination based on factors including race, gender and nationality, and the new measure would add sexual orientation and identity to that list.
Delaney said he hopes to schedule a meeting with Mayor Alvin Brown about the measure.
Councilman Warren Jones said he agreed to sponsor the bill after talking with retired politicians including Delaney and former Council President Matt Carlucci.
"It's a matter of conscience," Jones said Monday.
"To me, its not so much whether everyone agrees with the lifestyle or not. It's more whether you discriminate."
Jones said he hopes to file legislation by noon Wednesday, a deadline for a bill being introduced at next week's council meeting.
He said he may wait if he has questions or concerns about the wording in the bill.
http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2012-04-30/story/bill-banning-discrimination-based-sexual-orientation-be-filed
This results from a loooooong time effort, as Stephen states. It's been tried several times, stretching back to the 90s. The most recent iteration began about two years ago with the formation of the Jacksonville Committee for Equality.
Those who'd like to voice support for the measure, we'd be very grateful if you'd visit www.jaxequality.org and submit an online "petition" in favor. There will be more ways to show support in the coming days as this begins to move through the Council...
well since we're the only major city in Florida without such legislation, maybe this time it will pass!
Are there still any more gay-bashing rednecks out there that would be against this? Hopefully they've gone back to whatever shack in the woods they've come from so they won't interfere.
Ridiculous that this wasn't done long ago.
Quote from: Tacachale on April 30, 2012, 04:28:54 PM
This is important, if not exactly front-page stuff.
Quote
Bill banning discrimination based on sexual orientation to be filed at Jacksonville City Council
Legislation to ban anti-gay discrimination could be introduced next week at Jacksonville's City Council.
The change is being backed by a web of business organizations and elected officials, who are framing it largely as a tool for promoting business growth.
The bill would bring Jacksonville into the same posture as other large Florida cities by formally forbidding discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations -- places like restaurants and hotels -- based on a person's sexual orientation or sexual identity.
"You shouldn't be able to fire someone because they're gay. You shouldn't be able to do that in Jacksonville," said former Mayor John Delaney, who has been active in assembling supporters for the legislation.
Jacksonville already has legislation that bans discrimination based on factors including race, gender and nationality, and the new measure would add sexual orientation and identity to that list.
Delaney said he hopes to schedule a meeting with Mayor Alvin Brown about the measure.
Councilman Warren Jones said he agreed to sponsor the bill after talking with retired politicians including Delaney and former Council President Matt Carlucci.
"It's a matter of conscience," Jones said Monday.
"To me, its not so much whether everyone agrees with the lifestyle or not. It's more whether you discriminate."
Jones said he hopes to file legislation by noon Wednesday, a deadline for a bill being introduced at next week's council meeting.
He said he may wait if he has questions or concerns about the wording in the bill.
http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2012-04-30/story/bill-banning-discrimination-based-sexual-orientation-be-filed
Thank you for posting this.
Yes, thank you Jimmy. This has a real chance of passing this time, and it's a long time coming.
It's the good work of a lot of people in the community, not the least of which being Warren Jones and John Delaney.
Considering the list of people who say they're with us, I think it may actually happen.
I appreciate you for posting this, Tacachale. I was meaning to earlier, but my day got very interesting at just after 12:30. :)
Good work Jimmy and all invovled. It amazes me how Jacksonville is light years behind the rest of the country. I cant believe there was still a bill on the book allowing this.
I can count 3 "No" votes - Redman, Daniels, and Yarborough. I hope they are the minority.
And good work Jimmy, and all who are working on this.
Discrimination against anyone, is bad for everyone.
Quote from: Jimmy on April 30, 2012, 06:37:28 PM
It's the good work of a lot of people in the community, not the least of which being Warren Jones and John Delaney.
Considering the list of people who say they're with us, I think it may actually happen.
I appreciate you for posting this, Tacachale. I was meaning to earlier, but my day got very interesting at just after 12:30. :)
I wouldn't celebrate just yet. It actually has to pass, first. It just amazes me how there is a good possibility that it wouldn't pass. Jacksonville can be an embarrassment at times.
I think the council has changed for the better since the last election. Never the less, I'm sure there will be some ridiculous statements from certain "special" councilmen during discussion portions of the bill. Probably a few embarrassing public comments too. Mayor Brown better support the bill as he claims to be so business friendly. I think it says a lot about our business community that they are now being more aggressive. I certainly have hope this time around.
Quote from: Anti redneck on April 30, 2012, 09:31:30 PM
I wouldn't celebrate just yet. It actually has to pass, first. It just amazes me how there is a good possibility that it wouldn't pass. Jacksonville can be an embarrassment at times.
I agree - there's a lot of work to get us from this moment to the finish line. We have done some nose-counting, of course, and it looks very good in getting to 10 (and beyond). UNF did some polling a few years ago at the request of the JHRC. Something like 86% thought discrimination like this should be outlawed.
Even the Council President was surprised to learn that we lack these protections. He's in good company - a lot of people I talk to seem to be under the belief that there's some level of protection at the state or federal level. Sadly, no, so cities and counties in Florida are passing them. I think the latest to pass this was the town of Venice. And before them, Volusia County. This is hardly a fringe position in 2012. We're playing a little catch-up, actually.
Quote from: Charles Hunter on April 30, 2012, 09:28:19 PM
I can count 3 "No" votes - Redman, Daniels, and Yarborough. I hope they are the minority.
And good work Jimmy, and all who are working on this.
Discrimination against anyone, is bad for everyone.
Yeah Daniels is going to chunk the bible across the room when she hears this. ;D
Quote from: Anti redneck on April 30, 2012, 05:14:43 PM
Are there still any more gay-bashing rednecks out there that would be against this? Hopefully they've gone back to whatever shack in the woods they've come from so they won't interfere.
All you have to do is look up the street from council...theres a huge baptist church downtown that's been telling everyone to despise gays from day one of their existence..its in their charter i think
Put me in the "it's about time" camp as well.
I'd just like to note that
everyone has a sexual orientation. To characterize the bill as
QuoteLegislation to ban anti-gay discrimination
when it is in fact
Quoteforbidding discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations...based on a person's sexual orientation or sexual identity
plays into the bigot's idea that gay people are seeking "special rights" when all they want is the same treatment as everyone else. A small point, but an important one.
That's exactly right, finehoe. A small point that's important. We have a new restaurant opening in town called Hamburger Mary's. It would be just as odious if the management there wanted to exclude straight workers or patrons based on their hetero sexual orientation. Sometimes the phrase "reserve discrimination" gets bandied about, or as I like to call it, discrimination.
Everyone has a sexual orientation. Everyone has a gender identity.
(I can't imagine HM doing this - it's just for illustrative purposes.)
It is WELL past time for this. At UNF we've lost a lot of good candidates for jobs because the city lacks these basic protections. Various companies in town have experienced the same. This kind of injustice affects everyone.
I suspect that's a major reason that John Delaney and Steve Halverson are so committed to this issue. Steve tells the story of an executive he really wanted for Haskell who wouldn't come to Jacksonville because of the perception of intolerance. Delaney has overseen the passage of these policy changes at UNF for their staff, with great impact.
Nice, the TU has posted a video of Steve Halverson explaining the need for this ordinance...
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/406107/mike-clark/2012-05-01/haskell-ceo-explains-why-anti-discrimination-ordinance
Says the TU: Three major civic figures visited the Times-Union editorial board Monday to explain why they are supporting the inclusion of gays to Jacksonville's anti-discrimination ordinance.
UNF President John Delaney, Baptist Health CEO Hugh Greene and Haskell CEO Steve Halverson explained why it's bad for business to allow gays to be discriminated against legally in Jackslnville.
Any update from the Mayor's office? He hasn't commented on it yet, which is worrisome.
People are talking to the Mayor and I think he's being very careful to get this right. "No comment yet" is better than "no."
But in the meantime, the Business Journal is reporting that 12 Chairs of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce have come out today with a letter in support of the measure. The business community is leading on this. Surely the political folks will follow.
"A dozen former chairs of the Jacksonville Regional CHamber of Commerce have sided with the current chair and chair-elect in support of city legislation that would ban discrimination against gay or transgender people in Jacksonville.
In a letter to Mayor Alvin Brown and the Jacksonville City Council, the group expressed support of legislation that was filed by City Councilman Warren Jones." Much more at: http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2012/05/03/anti-discrimination-legislation.html
Quote
Jacksonville mayor silent about bill banning discrimination against sexual orientation
Submitted by Timothy Gibbons on May 3, 2012 - 12:31pm PolitiJax
Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown won't take a position on City Council legislation banning discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, although supporters remember candidate Brown strongly favoring such a bill.
Brown refused to comment Thursday night because he said he hasn't seen the recently introduced ordinance.
"It's such an important issue I don't want to speculate or assume anything," Brown said during a brief conversation following an appearance at a parade for the Jacksonville Giants.
When provided a description of the bill â€" it expands the list of protected classes by six words â€" Brown said that wasn't enough for him to form an opinion.
"It's got to come to council," he said. "I haven't seen it. I don't want to speculate."
But some of those who supported Brown's campaign last year remember a much different answer when he was asked on the trail about expanding the anti-discrimination ordinance.
"That's the reason I voted for him, one of the main reasons," said Jack Slaughter, who played host to a Brown fundraiser attended mainly by gay and lesbian supporters. "As a supporter that gave him money, I think it's a big deal."
Slaughter's nephew, Adam Beaugh, has similar memories, both of the fundraiser and of earlier conversations.
Beaugh worked for mayoral candidate Audrey Moran, and when she lost in the first round of voting, met with Brown's campaign. Beaugh said he asked about the ordinance right off the bat and was told Brown supported it.
"He straight up said it would be a priority for his administration," Beaugh said. "He made it sound like he'd go to the City Council members and try to convince them to support it."
They are not alone in those memories. In a blog post about the impact lesbian, gay and bisexual voters had on Brown's victory, Equality Florida Field Director Joe Saunders singles out the candidate's support of the issue as a reason Brown won.
"Brown's position supporting an inclusive human rights ordinance banning discrimination against LGBT's was a motivating clarion call," he writes.
The bill filed Wednesday updates the city's anti-discrimination laws by adding the phrase "sexual orientation, gender identity or expression" to the list of things â€" race, gender, age religion, nationality â€" that are specifically forbidden as grounds for discrimination. It would protect people in situations involving employment, housing and service at places like restaurants and hotels.
It is strongly supported by a series of former elected officials and current business executives.
Moran herself, one of those championing the legislation, remembers Brown supporting it at a campaign event. Now, she said, she thinks he will reiterate that position.
"We feel his pro-business stance bodes very well for his support of this legislation," she said.
But Brown remembers the campaign event, hosted by the Urban League, differently.
He said Thursday he was trying to express that "I don't support racism or discrimination and we don't need to do another study on diversity nor discrimination."
Brown was first asked about his position on the legislation shortly before a National Day of Prayer ceremony at City Hall at noon Thursday.
He declined then to discuss the issue. "I'm getting ready for this," he said, gesturing at the gathering crowd.
Brown urged a reporter to set up a meeting later where he said he'd be willing to discuss the issue, but there was not time on his calendar Thursday afternoon.
City Councilman Warren Jones, who filed the bill, said earlier the legislation was significant to attract businesses and was "a matter of conscience" aimed at discrimination generally.
On Monday, Jones said, Brown called and expressed concerns that were mostly about the bill's timing. He said the mayor had told advocates he wanted to be sure there was a bipartisan consensus before trying to change the law.
He said Brown was surprised to learn Jones planned to file the legislation and expressed "disappointment" he hadn't been told earlier. The mayor reiterated that disappointment Thursday.
"Not one leader, no one has called me about it," he said. "An issue of this magnitude and no one called me."
Earlier this week, former Mayor John Delaney said an assistant had reached out to Brown to set up a time to talk. Brown said Thursday that if Delaney had called, he would call him back.
Brown might have more interlocutors show up in the days ahead. Adding their support to the legislation Thursday were 12 former chairs of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, as well as the current chair and chair-elect.
More good news out tonight about this work.
From the TU:
A push to ban discrimination in Jacksonville based on sexual orientation gained some faith-based support Monday as 25 religious leaders asked Mayor Alvin Brown to back legislation being introduced this evening to the City Council.
“It’s about jobs, and it’s about fairness, so I don’t really see what the issue is here,†said Tara Trueblood, director of the University of North Florida Interfaith Center.
Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2012-05-07/story/25-religious-leaders-asked-jacksonville-mayor-support-gay-anti#ixzz1uFOV0Lbl
Their reporting tonight included the strongest public statement of support for this new ordinance from the Mayor so far:
“I will fight discrimination in any form in our city. And I will consider any effort that makes Jacksonville a safer and better place for people to live and work."
Why do we seem to need to justify every argument by claiming "it's about jobs", or "it benefits the economy"?
We should make decisions because they are right.
Whether you agree with the lifestyle choices people make or not, discrimination is WRONG. It should never be tolerated. There's a difference between endorsement and anti-discrimination.
The fact that the Mayor has spent weeks unwilling to say "I don't support discrimination of anyone for any reason" is troubling.
^^^Agreed. Sounds like he is trying to play both sides of the aisle? He's in office, it's still early, and it's not time to campaign yet!
I haven't been impressed with Brown yet, and this is just another example why.
Quote from: duvaldude08 on April 30, 2012, 11:23:53 PM
Quote from: Charles Hunter on April 30, 2012, 09:28:19 PM
I can count 3 "No" votes - Redman, Daniels, and Yarborough. I hope they are the minority.
And good work Jimmy, and all who are working on this.
Discrimination against anyone, is bad for everyone.
Yeah Daniels is going to chunk the bible across the room when she hears this. ;D
LMAO! She probably will! :o
It's nice that the mayor says he'll "fight discrimination"; it would be nicer if he'd actually take a strong stance in favor of the ordinance. This is a clear cut issue, it's not something a public servant with a career ahead of him should want to be on the wrong side of.
Quote from: Timkin on May 08, 2012, 02:01:11 AM
Quote from: duvaldude08 on April 30, 2012, 11:23:53 PM
Quote from: Charles Hunter on April 30, 2012, 09:28:19 PM
I can count 3 "No" votes - Redman, Daniels, and Yarborough. I hope they are the minority.
And good work Jimmy, and all who are working on this.
Discrimination against anyone, is bad for everyone.
Yeah Daniels is going to chunk the bible across the room when she hears this. ;D
LMAO! She probably will! :o
You might be surprised.
Quote from: Steve_Lovett on May 08, 2012, 12:25:49 AM
Why do we seem to need to justify every argument by claiming "it's about jobs", or "it benefits the economy"?
We should make decisions because they are right.
Whether you agree with the lifestyle choices people make or not, discrimination is WRONG. It should never be tolerated. There's a difference between endorsement and anti-discrimination.
The fact that the Mayor has spent weeks unwilling to say "I don't support discrimination of anyone for any reason" is troubling.
The practical reasons to be for this just supplement the moral reasons. They make it easier to see that real people are involved and that this kind of injustice affects everyone.
I just want to add my voice to those who are disappointed with the lack of leadership from the Mayor on this issue. And I'm one of his supporters. Mayor Brown's silence speaks volumes.
The reason he seems to be playing both sides of the fence and really not commenting is simple. His religous beliefs and is what is right for the city are in conflict. He knows that if he says the wrong thing or do the wrong thing, he will have a bad image the rest of his tenure. Especially being the fact that he went up to the gay clubs and greeted people when he was trying to get elected. I cant really say Im disappointed because he has not said anything. I think at times its best to be silent and keep your mouth shut. Hopefully, he does the right thing.
Quote from: duvaldude08 on May 08, 2012, 11:11:47 AM
He knows that if he says the wrong thing or do the wrong thing, he will have a bad image the rest of his tenure.
I think he's already getting a bad image by dithering.
Quote from: duvaldude08 on May 08, 2012, 11:11:47 AM
I cant really say Im disappointed because he has not said anything. I think at times its best to be silent and keep your mouth shut.
But by keeping his mouth shut, I think he's really saying something.
Quote from: duvaldude08 on May 08, 2012, 11:11:47 AMHopefully, he does the right thing.
I believe he will end up doing the right thing, but if there's already a perception among business leaders that our city is intolerant, then having a Mayor who has to be coaxed into supporting this no-brainer bill isn't going to help that perception.
^+1.
Maybe I'm being just a tad naive, but just because a bill is passed saying that we won't discriminate based on 'x' mean that it still won't happen. I think it just opens up more issues.
Well so-and-so didn't hire me because I'm a transvestite! No. You didn't get hired because you were unqualified and you showed up to your interview in a mini-skirt and a beard.
Discriminatory practices are going to happen regardless of what law is in place, and now it opens up the ACLU to bring suit for unfair practices that probably are going to be more fair before the bill is passed.
Take the issue with JFRD and their promotion practices. I'm not claiming to know a whole lot about it, but if they, the white firemen & the black firemen, are taking the same WRITTEN exam for promotions, then how does that become a race issue and not a basic skills issue? Why are they saying that the WRITTEN test is biased in favor of white firemen?
Again, maybe I'm just too naive about the situation, but I don't see the good in any of this.
The good in it is that it would no longer be legal to fire, not hire, refuse entry, or refuse housing to someone just because they're gay. Will there still be discrimination? Of course. This is only a step. But it's a moral and practical necessity and it's a LONG time coming.
Quote from: Tacachale on May 08, 2012, 01:29:49 PM
The good in it is that it would no longer be legal to fire, not hire, refuse entry, or refuse housing to someone just because they're gay. Will there still be discrimination? Of course. This is only a step. But it's a moral and practical necessity and it's a LONG time coming.
I think you're looking at the gold-plated version. Florida is alread a right-to-work state, so with regards to hiring and firing.... Your manager may let you go because you parted your hair the wrong way.
Please tell me where on a public housing form it asks, "Guys, if you like cock, check here. Girls, if you don't, check over here." I'm being crass, but it's because I don't understand when 'sexual orientation' would come up.
And you have basically stated that you don't think it will actually work just, "...it's just a moral and practical necessity."
N-RW, it comes up easily. If two guys go to rent a one-bedroom apartment together, and they're pretty obviously not brothers or missionaries, most people are going to pick up on the fact that there's something more going on than thrifty guys looking for a deal on rent.
At work, I don't know about you guys, but I like to keep a picture or two on my desk. One of those pictures is me and my partner, and it's pretty obvious that we're family, not just buddies.
This stuff comes up in 1,000 little ways because we live our lives honestly. There was a time when we'd change pronouns, rent a two-bedroom apartment, and keep the pictures off our desks. But who wants to live like that? What kind of life are you living if you spend 40 or 168 hours of each week "lying" about who you are?
Right to work? Yes, but that's mostly about labor unions. It doesn't mean employers get to hire and fire based on discrimination. And in Jacksonville, we have become conspicuous by our failure to enact these policies. When we're falling behind not only Tampa and Orlando but behind Daytona and Venice, that's just crazy. And it costs us nothing to do this. It's a no-brainer to me. It's as important as the mobility fee or better land-use policies. This has become part of what matters to creatives and the employers who hire them.
Halverson talks about executives he couldn't hire because we don't have this simple ordinance. We lost out on the Florida HQ of a major bank because the new President didn't want to live here with her partner. This stuff is absolutely "feel good" for some of us, but it's a real issue for many others.
Well put, Jimmy.
NRW, I do believe it will work. It won't solve the problem in one fell swoop, but it's a necessary step. You'd have to be pretty naive to believe that in a city that elected Clay Yarborough to the city council twice, that there aren't any jackass landlords who've refused to rent a home to a gay couple because they didn't want two homosexuals shacking up on his property. This move would make such discrimination illegal.
And even if you don't believe that, the ordinance remains a practical necessity. As I've said, at UNF we've lost a number of desired hires over this issue. One recent assistant director level applicant we lost specifically mentioned the city's lack of protection for LGBT folks. Perhaps you're cool with losing top candidates to other cities. I'm not.
Quote from: Jimmy on May 08, 2012, 01:54:44 PM
N-RW, it comes up easily. If two guys go to rent a one-bedroom apartment together, and they're pretty obviously not brothers or missionaries, most people are going to pick up on the fact that there's something more going on than thirty guys looking for a deal on rent.
At work, I don't know about you guys, but I like to keep a picture or two on my desk. One of those pictures is me and my partner, and it's pretty obvious that we're family, not just buddies.
This stuff comes up in 1,000 little ways because we live our lives honestly. There was a time when we'd change pronouns, rent a two-bedroom apartment, and keep the pictures off our desks. But who wants to live like that? What kind of life are you living if you spend 40 or 168 hours of each week "lying" about who you are?
Right to work? Yes, but that's mostly about labor unions. It doesn't mean employers get to hire and fire based on discrimination. And in Jacksonville, we have become conspicuous by our failure to enact these policies. When we're falling behind not only Tampa and Orlando but behind Daytona and Venice, that's just crazy. And it costs us nothing to do this. It's a no-brainer to me. It's as important as the mobility fee or better land-use policies. This has become part of what matters to creatives and the employers who hire them.
Halverson talks about executives he couldn't hire because we don't have this simple ordinance. We lost out on the Florida HQ of a major bank because the new President didn't want to live here with her partner. This stuff is absolutely "feel good" for some of us, but it's a real issue for many others.
Jimmy, I agre with you and understand what you're saying, and I can see how it gives the impression that Jacksonville is a GLBT friendly city; I just don't see how, in reality, it helps.
Your landlord, after seeing the pictures will find a reason for you to be gone if he desires.
Employers will find reasons to let you go. Future employers can find reasons not to hire you in the first place.
There is no law that can ban it. There is no magical wand that will make it go away. Bigots will always be bigots, and I don't see how a bill can ACTUALLY help the situation. Perception? Maybe.
I guess I take the view that we don't give in. We definitely don't give the haters and discriminators a license to keep doing it. As a city we stand up and say that we're against it and we're for non-discrimination.
I'm often cynical, but there are times like these that I think doing something can make a difference. That it can move the ball down the civic field.
Quote from: Jimmy on May 08, 2012, 02:14:50 PM
I guess I take the view that we don't give in. We definitely don't give the haters and discriminators a license to keep doing it. As a city we stand up and say that we're against it and we're for non-discrimination.
I'm often cynical, but there are times like these that I think doing something can make a difference. That it can move the ball down the civic field.
+1
Quote from: Jimmy on May 08, 2012, 01:54:44 PM
N-RW, it comes up easily. If two guys go to rent a one-bedroom apartment together, and they're pretty obviously not brothers or missionaries, most people are going to pick up on the fact that there's something more going on than thrifty guys looking for a deal on rent.
At work, I don't know about you guys, but I like to keep a picture or two on my desk. One of those pictures is me and my partner, and it's pretty obvious that we're family, not just buddies.
This stuff comes up in 1,000 little ways because we live our lives honestly. There was a time when we'd change pronouns, rent a two-bedroom apartment, and keep the pictures off our desks. But who wants to live like that? What kind of life are you living if you spend 40 or 168 hours of each week "lying" about who you are?
Right to work? Yes, but that's mostly about labor unions. It doesn't mean employers get to hire and fire based on discrimination. And in Jacksonville, we have become conspicuous by our failure to enact these policies. When we're falling behind not only Tampa and Orlando but behind Daytona and Venice, that's just crazy. And it costs us nothing to do this. It's a no-brainer to me. It's as important as the mobility fee or better land-use policies. This has become part of what matters to creatives and the employers who hire them.
Halverson talks about executives he couldn't hire because we don't have this simple ordinance. We lost out on the Florida HQ of a major bank because the new President didn't want to live here with her partner. This stuff is absolutely "feel good" for some of us, but it's a real issue for many others.
As another example, Arizona lost the Super Bowl for a few years in the early-mid '90's until it adopted/accepted the Martin Luther King National Holiday....
According to the Times Union, religious leaders are actually speaking in support of this bill. Whatever their motive may be, they're supporting it. Brown will have to be in favor if he wants re-election.
Quote from: Jimmy on April 30, 2012, 05:06:48 PM
This results from a loooooong time effort, as Stephen states. It's been tried several times, stretching back to the 90s. The most recent iteration began about two years ago with the formation of the Jacksonville Committee for Equality.
Those who'd like to voice support for the measure, we'd be very grateful if you'd visit www.jaxequality.org and submit an online "petition" in favor. There will be more ways to show support in the coming days as this begins to move through the Council...
+2 added :)
I think that it is easier for the business community to openly back the bill because it is akin to 'Nixon going to China' or Clinton signing onto welfare reform. It is easier to cross the aisle and co-opt an issue than it is to be seen as 'pandering' to your base. That said, I believe that the mayor is keeping his powder dry in this debate. Speaking of Clinton, do we remember what happened when he went out on a limb to support gays in the military? Yes, our politicians should lead but not without political cover to accomplish the rest of their agenda.
I cant believe a big deal is being made about this. This is prime example why I city is not progressing. Regardless of your lifestyle you should be treated equal PERIOD. There are some very ignorant ass people in this city. If we dont add on sexual orientation, why have an anti-discrimination bill at all? Just do away with it all together if thats the case.
Quote from: Jaxson on May 08, 2012, 05:05:29 PM
I think that it is easier for the business community to openly back the bill because it is akin to 'Nixon going to China' or Clinton signing onto welfare reform. It is easier to cross the aisle and co-opt an issue than it is to be seen as 'pandering' to your base. That said, I believe that the mayor is keeping his powder dry in this debate. Speaking of Clinton, do we remember what happened when he went out on a limb to support gays in the military? Yes, our politicians should lead but not without political cover to accomplish the rest of their agenda.
Meh. Warren Jones is a prominent Democrat and it's not a concern for him. Republicans (and not all business leaders are Republicans) risk being labelled a "RINO" by elements of their party, and yet we're seeing prominent Republicans showing backbone and taking charge here. Brown risks falling on the wrong side of this issue, and that would hurt him much more in the long run than being seen as pandering to his base.
On WJXT tonight, they said calls to City Council were running nearly 100% AGAINST the bill to be introduced tonight. Sounds like one, or more, churches that didn't sign on may be organizing to kill this. Bill Bishop refused to be interviewed, and Bob Gulliford said he hasn't made up his mind, and will listen to the discussion in committees and before Council.
My Councilman is Yarborough, so I don't think there is much reason to contact him in support. But I will, as well at the At-Large members.
This is one of those bills that would have fared much better with Mayor Petyon than Mayor Brown. Mayor Brown has to deal with a constituency that overwhelmingly elected him - the Black Churches.
A certain Council person is strongly against this bill and has been collecting support privately.
There were certainly more of us in the audience who are in support of 2012-296, but since there will be an exhaustive public hearing on 5/22, we thought we'd keep most of our powder dry until then. It looks like a couple of churches didn't want to keep their powder dry. I have to wonder if some of the comments made didn't just make the point that the bill is trying to solve. Speaking for the bill were past Council President Carlucci and Dr. Mark Tumeo of UNF. Also on deck to speak were John Delaney and Audrey Moran, but they couldn't hang out through the extensive council debate over the furniture for the courthouse because of other commitments.
I'm still in chambers waiting to see if there are more speakers at the second period of public comment. I'm tempted to speak, but I'm sensitive to the late hour. There will be ample opportunity on 5/22 and at two committees to which the bill is assigned on June 4 and 5.
If anyone is wondering if there's hate and bias in this city, check the tape from the meeting tonight. Wow.
I don't know about phone calls, btw, but a council assistant told me that emails are running about 100 to 1 in favor of the bill.
I need to see that reporting from WJXT. I think they interviewed my pastor today for their reporting tonight.
I sent an email to the mayor in support of this bill. I hope that it passes. I stand by my previous comment about the mayor's silence, however. If he is silent now but ends up signing the bill into law, his actions will have spoken louder than words.
Quote from: Jaxson on May 08, 2012, 10:29:17 PM
I sent an email to the mayor in support of this bill. I hope that it passes. I stand by my previous comment about the mayor's silence, however. If he is silent now but ends up signing the bill into law, his actions will have spoken louder than words.
+1 ,,, If Mayor Brown would happen not to support this bill, there is no way I would vote for him again.
That Jimmy mentions is there hate and bias in this City, Sad but true. I think it is getting better, but has a way to go yet.
As expected Redmond and Daniels have "concerns" about the bill. They are pathetic.
Quote from: cityimrov on May 08, 2012, 08:22:13 PM
This is one of those bills that would have fared much better with Mayor Petyon than Mayor Brown. Mayor Brown has to deal with a constituency that overwhelmingly elected him - the Black Churches.
Being Black myself, i completely agree with you. I already know that is why hes been so silent. Being a christian and growing up in a black church, being gay is like worst thing ANYONE could ever do. He's in a very controversial position. His decision could make or break him getting voted back in. Think wisely Mr. Brown.
Quote from: duvaldude08 on May 08, 2012, 11:56:11 PM
As expected Redmond and Daniels have "concerns" about the bill. They are pathetic.
{Pathetic is an understatement..it is expected for the right wing idiots to vote againt gays...they prove their idiocy week after week...When is the next vote to get these fools out?
Quote from: Garden guy on May 09, 2012, 07:11:45 AM
Quote from: duvaldude08 on May 08, 2012, 11:56:11 PM
As expected Redmond and Daniels have "concerns" about the bill. They are pathetic.
{Pathetic is an understatement..it is expected for the right wing idiots to vote againt gays...they prove their idiocy week after week...When is the next vote to get these fools out?
As you must know at this point, Daniels is a Democrat. So is Brown. Many of those pushing the ordinance are Republicans.
Quote from: duvaldude08 on May 09, 2012, 12:00:22 AM
Quote from: cityimrov on May 08, 2012, 08:22:13 PM
This is one of those bills that would have fared much better with Mayor Petyon than Mayor Brown. Mayor Brown has to deal with a constituency that overwhelmingly elected him - the Black Churches.
Being Black myself, i completely agree with you. I already know that is why hes been so silent. Being a christian and growing up in a black church, being gay is like worst thing ANYONE could ever do. He's in a very controversial position. His decision could make or break him getting voted back in. Think wisely Mr. Brown.
Any good leader deals with the
entire constituency, and doesn't shirk taking a stance on objectively good policy simply because some people will find it controversial. In fact, that's what being a good leader is.
Quote from: Tacachale on May 09, 2012, 08:55:21 AM
Any good leader deals with the entire constituency, and don't shirk taking a stance on objectively good policy simply because some people will find it controversial. In fact, that's what being a good leader is.
Since when has being a good leader correlated with being a good politician? Washington, maybe?
The fact that there are so many speaking out against the bills passing is proof enough that it NEEDS to pass. It's clear there is a lot of hate and discrimination towards homosexuals in Jacksonville and they clearly need the protection. And while on the news sites reading some of the absurd comments, I keep reading "I don't *agree* with homosexuality" ...let's get one thing straight: it's not that you don't *agree* ...it's that you don't *understand*