Melissa Ross
In an email to supporters and media outlets, the Jacksonville Coalition for Equality reminds stakeholders that “10 is the magic number.” And the message goes on to name-check this website in its campaign to press Jacksonville City Council members to update the city’s human rights ordinance to cover LGBT citizens.
“It will take the votes of 10 City Council members to update Jacksonville’s non-discrimination laws. This week we came one vote closer. In an interview with FloridaPolitics.com, Republican Councilman Aaron Bowman explained that his views on equality and fairness were shaped through his military career and his experience in the business world. The values that inspire Aaron Bowman to support a Human Rights Ordinance (HRO) that would protect the LGBT community are “part of his fabric.”
To see the full story click here.
“We are excited to see the growing bipartisan momentum in the Jacksonville City Council!” Bowman added.
The JCE points out that the North Florida business community is foursquare behind an updated HRO, mentioning such backers as Florida Blue, and telling supporters that more than 100 local small businesses have signed a letter in support. There’s also a call to action encouraging business owners to set up an “Equality Mailbox” at their establishment, request a screening of the locally produced HRO documentary “Six Words,” or to become a volunteer.
In 2012, the HRO measure failed on the Council 10-9, disappointing LGBT activists. Jacksonville is the largest metro in America without an updated human rights ordinance that includes language protecting this class of citizens from discrimination in jobs, public housing and accommodations. Most cities have ordinances of this type that cover a broad range of groups, including women, African-Americans, seniors, and the disabled, among others.
