GLBTF rally takes numbers to Human Rights Commission meeting
Published: October 26, 2010
Editor's Note: The original version of this tory incorrectly stated which groups would be affected by the proposed ordinance. The ordinance will affect city of Norman employees. The story has been corrected.
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Friends student group rallied and marched Monday night on its way to the City Council’s Human Rights Commission meeting, where members voted to suggest adding sexual orientation to the city’s anti-discrimination ordinance.
The ordinance amendment only applies to city of Norman employees, according to the commission. They are currently working on an amendment to the ordinance that will include all local businesses, however church groups and non-profit organizations would not be held accountable.
All but two members of the public expressed verbal support for the ordinance, though many didn’t agree with its limited scope, expressing desire for a citywide non-discriminatory revision. About 30 people were present, including members from Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Equality Network and two local churches.
Ed Sasnett of Northeast Baptist Church said he was there to represent Norman’s Christian community that does not campaign against gay rights.
“I was concerned about the fact that there were individuals that, regardless of their lifestyle, were being unjustly treated. As a Christian, very close to my heart is justice,” Sasnett said.
The commission passed the measure unanimously. The ordinance will be addressed at the City Council meeting on Nov. 9 or 23.
GLBTF was pleased with the meeting’s outcome, said Duke Lambert, organization president.
“It definitely looks like they’re fully behind us in getting that out to the city manager and the rest of the town. Tonight went just as well as we hoped it would,” said Lambert, psychology junior.
Before the meeting, GLBTF members and supporters rallied on the South Oval. Motivated by the theft of their flag at this year’s Shack-a-Thon and recent GLBTF issues, the group gathered to rouse support for the commission’s vote on non-discrimination policies, said Laurel Cunningham, vice president of GLBTF and women’s and gender studies sophomore.
Participants wore rainbow bracelets, painted their faces and held flags as Cunningham called for “change and an end to prejudice and intolerance.”
Comments
LeighPerry 1 year, 3 months ago
Just wanted to let you know, that some of us at the Rally/March, were Townies. Norman is my home and has been for many years. I'm not the only lgbtq person who is a permanent resident in Norman. So this was a show of cooperative effort between Town and Gown, on the issue of lgbtq rights in the city of Norman.
mustafa 1 year, 3 months ago
Well. what is the scope of the ordinance? How much farther do supporters want it to go? What discrimination issues are there that this ordinance will address? Any examples given? Unjust treatment?... what's that? Is this a real problem?
ed 1 year, 3 months ago
I regret that Mr. Shofner did not clearly understand my comments. I do not represent the Christian community that does not campaign against gay rights. My statement meant to convey that my view as a conservative, evangelical Christian on the issues and policies involving the homosexual community have not been represented by the Norman city council nor voiced to the Human Rights Commission. I want to provide that viewpoint. I am encouraging others in my faith community to get involved in the governing of our city. In the future, I will attempt to be clearer.
braceyourself 1 year, 3 months ago
Sad, Ed. You just made yourself seem like a jerk, when Mr. Shofner painted a good picture of you as someone who cares about humans.
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