Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.13.2006COUNCIL WORK SESSION February 13, 2006 3:45 p.m. Council Chambers Members present: Mayor Hurley, Kincaid, Schmitt. Moved by Schmitt, seconded by Kincaid that Seven. Motion carried. Welper, Gunderson, Greenwood, Getty, Cole, the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: David Meeks, Executive Director of Human Rights Commission, reviewed the changes to the city ordinance to add sexual orientation to the current list of protected basis in employment, housing, public accommodations, education and credit. Mr. Meeks reviewed the GLBT Youth in Iowa Schools Task Force findings and recommendations. The Task Force is recommending school districts to ensure that they fulfill their legal obligations and protect students from harassment and discrimination to adopt and implement a policy that prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identify. Mr. Meeks reported 10 cities in Iowa have passed the sexual orientation ordinance, 11 schools have a policy on bullying and sexual orientation, 30 colleges have a sexual harassment policy, 11 states have approved sexual orientation and 30 states have hate crime laws. Mr. Meeks asked if law abiding, taxpaying citizens should be denied housing and education based upon sexual orientation. Mr. Meeks stated this does not endorse a lifestyle or manner of living but protects those individuals' rights and the uniqueness they bring to the community. Mr. Meeks stated there are current hate laws and harassment protection based on sex, but if an individual is discriminated today based on sexual orientation, we have no law to protect them. Warren George, a member of the Human Rights Commission, reported he talked to Mayor Hurley before his first mayoral election and asked if he would support the GLBT. Mr. George stated this ordinance comes from a genuine concern because people's rights are being violated and it is the same arguments we heard in the '60s. Mr. Meeks stated that the basis of creed and religion were only a few put on the books to protect someone in case we needed it, and it is the same for sexual orientation. Mr. Meeks stated all the responses they have received from citizens have been positive. Councilperson Welper stated in his four years on the council, he has received more letters and e- mails advising him to vote against sexual orientation. Councilperson Cole stated she has been fairly astonished with some of the letters she has received opposing sexual orientation. The letters contain certain key words and phrases that make her think there is an organized drive against sexual orientation. Councilperson Cole noted she is appalled at the level of hatred expressed and the anti letters, and the level of hatred this issue brings up tells her the city needs an ordinance. Mayor Hurley noted that they are hearing it is a moral, ethical and religious issue and how does the council separate sexual orientation from these issues. Mr. Meeks replied sexual orientation has nothing to do with endorsing the lifestyle of these individuals and this is not the place to debate those issues. This is about endorsing and protecting the rights of individuals to have housing, jobs and education in a non-discriminatory way. Councilperson Schmitt reported he has received letters and e-mails in favor and in opposition. Four have been in favor, and they just basically say everyone should be treated fairly and equally. Councilperson Schmitt stated we need to look at the fact that Waterloo is still growing and growing because of our diversity. Councilperson Schmitt stated he feels it needs to include GLBT. Mayor Hurley asked if the Waterloo School District has taken up the GLBT recommendations or anti -bullying issue. Mr. Meeks responded the School Superintendent said they are preparing toward that way. Council Work Session February 13, 2006 Page 2 Councilperson Kincaid stated he thinks more individuals feel comfortable with their lifestyles and are admitting they are gay. People are more open and the younger generation is more open about this lifestyle and that is why the council is looking at adopting the ordinance. Mr. Meeks stated no matter what you may think of the individuals, they still deserve the right to jobs, housing and education. Councilperson Welper stated he doesn't think the citizens understand what this is ail about, and he is uncomfortable voting on sexual orientation at this time. Councilperson Welper stated he would like the public to become more educated. Councilperson Gunderson stated at this point, he has some misgivings because the State hasn't addressed sexual orientation and now they are asking citizens to take it on themselves. Councilperson Gunderson stated he would like to see State step up and make it a state law. Mr. Meeks reported the Iowa Department of Human Rights supports sexual orientation, but it has to be passed by the legislators. Councilperson Kincaid stated he has given this serious thought, and this is America and everyone has the right to jobs, housing and education. Councilperson Schmitt stated he feels if we wait for the State we will be waiting a long time. Councilperson Cole stated the council is a policy making body and should uphold the rights of all our citizens, and she is in favor of moving ahead. Councilperson Getty stated he is in favor of putting sexual orientation on the agenda and listening to comments from each side. Councilperson Greenwood also would like to move on with it. Mayor Hurley stated if sexual orientation is put on the agenda, it would be for one reading at a time. There will be strict rules and all the voices would be heard. With no further business before the council, it was moved by Schmitt, seconded by Kincaid that the meeting be adjourned at 4:21 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Nancy Eckert City Clerk