Orlando-based group sues to overturn Jacksonville HRO

[thelakelander]

A Christian activist group based in Orlando sued the city of Jacksonville on Wednesday over a recently enacted gay rights law, asking a local judge to overturn it on a technicality.

Attorneys with the Liberty Counsel say the new law, which changed the city's existing human rights ordinance to prohibit discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, was written in a way that violates state and local rules.

Full article: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2017-03-01/group-sues-overturn-jacksonville-hro

[Spitfire]

You should just change "Orlando-based group" to Liberty Counsel. We all know Roger Gannam is behind this.

[Tacachale]

I'm cool with pointing out they're from Orlando. It shows they're not locals, they're just an out-of-town homophobic agenda group.

[spuwho]

I dont think its that big a deal.

So they update the language and approve the changes.

I just wish the US had groups who are this diligent on zoning, land use changes and transportation policy.

They caught the council with their pants down on following rules on law construction, lesson learned for next time.

[Jim]

Some people just want to be able to legally oppress others.

[Jimmy]

The Orlando hate-group missed the boat on keeping the HRO from being codified.  References to protection from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity are now located in the appropriate places of the Jacksonville Code of Ordinances.







https://www.municode.com/library/fl/jacksonville/codes/code_of_ordinances

[Tacachale]

^Glad to hear it!

[Jax Friend]

Jimmy,

I'm interested to get your take on Judge Soud's appointment to this matter. Is there any plan off action to see that he is recused from this case?

[Jimmy]

I would expect Judge Soud to recuse himself due to the appearance of impropriety.

Failing that, the Office of General Counsel would need to evaluate the need to file a motion for recusal.  I have a fair amount of confidence in the process and the players.  The suit itself is frivolous and won't survive any number of procedural challenges.  There are issues of standing and ripeness.  They don't seem to have a clear roadmap of their own case -- which means it won't go very far, if anywhere.  That would be the case no matter who is on the bench.