ANDERSON — With little discussion the Anderson City Council has passed through two of the three required readings an ordinance that would extend protection from discrimination against all residents.
While other Indiana communities have battled over passage of legislation to extend protections to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities, Anderson's council was unanimous Thursday in supporting such a measure.
Floyd Edwards, director of the city's Human Relations Department, said the ordinance adds the LGBT community to the list of protected classes when it comes to housing, education, employment and public accommodations.
Council attorney Tim Lanane said the ordinance provides the same protections as those already in city ordinances for sex, religion, race, color, national origin, ancestry and handicap.
Lanane said the protected classes have been in ordinance form in Anderson for many years.
He said anyone experiencing discrimination can file a complaint with the Human Relations Department, which would than investigate the allegations.
The Human Rights Commission can issue a cease-and-desist order and in some cases issue a fine.
Final passage of the ordinance is expected at the council’s Dec. 10 meeting.
Council members Art Pepelea Jr., R-5th District, and Ty Bibbs, D-at-large, sponsored the ordinance.
“This started back in April when there was a newspaper story about how local measures against discrimination are weak,” Pepelea said. “I contacted Tim (Lanane) and he told me that Ty (Bibbs) was interested in an ordinance.
“I want everyone to be treated equally,” Pepelea said. “I’m in the business community and I don’t see it as a problem, but it has to be out there.”
Greg Winkler, executive director of the Anderson Economic Development Department, said the consideration of the ordinance is very important and puts Anderson in a position with other communities that have passed similar legislation.
“It’s an important statement,” he said. “It makes a clear statement that the community is welcoming. It’s an important step.”
The debate over protecting from discrimination the LGBT community put Indiana in the national spotlight last spring when Gov. Mike Pence signed the Religious Freedom Reform Act. It would have initially allowed businesses to refuse to serve certain members of the community based on religious beliefs. The legislation was hastily amended by the Indiana General Assembly to include protections.
Indianapolis, South Bend and Evansville are among Indiana cities with local ordinances prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Carmel, Muncie, Hammond, Terre Haute and Columbus, have adopted or are considering similar proposals. Goshen voted down an ordinance to offer the protections and in Elkhart, an ordinance was withdrawn.