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A.G. GancarskiFebruary 21, 2017

Pastors from Jacksonville’s First Baptist Church took a provocative position in the wake of Jacksonville expanding its Human Rights Ordinance to include the LGBT community. They claimed that the expansion of the ordinance, which allows for civil fines for discrimination against the LGBT community in housing, employment, and public accommodations, turns Christians into “targets.” And they […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 17, 2017

The phones were lit up Friday morning when FloridaPolitics.com visited the office of Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry. The subject: Curry allowing the city’s Human Rights Ordinance to become law, albeit without his signature. When asked Wednesday about not signing the HRO into law, the mayor cited his position that he did “not believe that legislation was necessary” […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 17, 2017

During the five-year debate ahead of Jacksonville codifying LGBT rights in its Human Rights Ordinance this week, opponents often couched their rhetoric in the Christian gospels. However, with the bill having passed, the gospel of love has morphed into the rhetoric of hate. Getting the worst of it: Mayor Lenny Curry, who respected the supermajority of the […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 14, 2017

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Duval County School Superintendent Nikolai Vitti serves in an appointed role, yet on Tuesday, he offered epistolary advice to the Jacksonville City Council. That counsel? Expand the city’s Human Rights Ordinance to protect people at work, in the housing market, and in the realm of public accommodations on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 14, 2017

While the Human Rights Ordinance expansion is the biggest item being considered Tuesday by the Jacksonville City Council, it’s not the only one. Below, a preview of what to watch in Council Chambers. *** Margin Call: On Tuesday, the Jacksonville City Council has a decision to make: will the city protect LGBT rights as other major […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 8, 2017

The Jacksonville City Council’s Finance Committee approved the expansion of the city’s Human Rights Ordinance on Wednesday morning. The measure was approved by a 4-3 vote, with Bill Gulliford, Sam Newby, and Matt Schellenberg opposing expansion. The expansion would add sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression to the list of protected categories under the ordinance, which ensures […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 6, 2017

Monday morning saw the first of three Jacksonville City Council committees approve the latest attempt to expand the Human Rights Ordinance. The vote was 4-2. The measure would extend protections in housing, public accommodations, and employment on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. As well, the bill offered in its original form […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 4, 2017

In Houston for the Superbowl, Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan broke with the city’s right wing on two hot-button issues. Khan, a Muslim immigrant from Pakistan, came out against the controversial Donald Trump immigration/travel ban from seven majority-Muslim countries. And, for good measure, he expressed — to a national publication — his support for the expansion of […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 3, 2017

A sign of the times in Jacksonville’s City Council as discussion of expanding the Human Rights Ordinance begins next week: requests for press passes to the February 14 meeting when the full vote is expected to occur are already being taken. The public hearing in January drew an overflow crowd to the council chambers, leading […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 2, 2017

On Thursday, opponents of Jacksonville’s proposed expansion of the Human Rights Ordinance had their say in the Council Chambers. Councilman Bill Gulliford, launching the meeting, noted the passion surrounding this issue, which is now in its fifth year of being debated citywide. “I decided to have this meeting for several reasons,” Gulliford said, including “objective discussion” of […]

Tag: HRO

Under fire from the right, Lenny Curry responds to HRO critics

Religious right to Lenny Curry: ‘keep your promise’ on HRO

After HRO expansion passes, opponents vent their rage at Lenny Curry

Nikolai Vitti: ‘Expand the HRO’

HRO expansion is not the only story in Jacksonville City Council Tuesday

Jacksonville HRO clears final city council committee

Amended HRO expansion bill clears first Jacksonville City Council committee

Shad Khan: No to Muslim Ban, Yes to HRO

HRO onslaught hits Jacksonville City Council committees starting Monday

Jacksonville LGBT rights opponents speak; Bill Gulliford talks HRO referendum