Bill banning discrimination based on sexual orientation to be filed at Jacksonvi

[Tacachale]

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.

[Charles Hunter]

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.

[cityimrov]

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. 

[Bill Hoff]

A certain Council person is strongly against this bill and has been collecting support privately.

[Jimmy]

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.

[Jimmy]

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.

[Jaxson]

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.

[Timkin]

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.

[duvaldude08]

As expected Redmond and Daniels have "concerns" about the bill. They are pathetic.

[duvaldude08]

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.

[Garden guy]

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?

[Tacachale]

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.

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.

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

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?

[Riverrat]

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*