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Starbuck · 11-15-2011, 11:41 PM

Jesse Wells Reporting
KFOR-TV
November 15, 2011

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A big vote by the Oklahoma City council officially bans job discrimination based on sexual orientation. The change to the city's employment policy, protecting gays and lesbians, drew lots of debate Tuesday morning.

The resolution specifically prevents gays and lesbians from being fired based solely on their sexual preference.

After nearly 90 minutes of discussion, the item passed.

Supporters believe that sends a clear message of equality.

"This is a big step forward," Scott Hamilton said.

"What the council did today was simply right. There's nothing wrong with gay people," Robert Lemon said.

Supporters like Robert argue the change is beneficial because on the state and federal levels sexual orientation is not a protected class.

"It sends a powerful message Oklahoma City won't tolerate discrimination. We're protecting all people," Hamilton said.

"The council voted for inclusion," Ed Shadid said.

Shadid, the resolution's author, said the fight for gay and lesbian rights is a no-brainer.

"Everyone deserves to be included. I think this goes a long way to heal wounds of the past," Shadid said.

Critics though point out the city's proposal is pointless because there's no proof city employees have been discriminated against based on sexual preference.

"This will provide specific protection based on behavior and that in itself is wrong," Paul Blair said.

In lieu of federal protections, many cities nationwide have passed similar ordinances, including our neighbors in Tulsa.

The council ordinance does not apply to any other private businesses.

Copyright © 2011, KFOR-TV

11-15-2011, 11:41 PM	#1586
Starbuck Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Soft Femme Preferred Pronoun?: She, her Relationship Status: Unavailable Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 2,436 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,378 Thanked 2,148 Times in 756 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	Oklahoma taking a Step In the Right Direction! Jesse Wells Reporting KFOR-TV November 15, 2011 OKLAHOMA CITY -- A big vote by the Oklahoma City council officially bans job discrimination based on sexual orientation. The change to the city's employment policy, protecting gays and lesbians, drew lots of debate Tuesday morning. The resolution specifically prevents gays and lesbians from being fired based solely on their sexual preference. After nearly 90 minutes of discussion, the item passed. Supporters believe that sends a clear message of equality. "This is a big step forward," Scott Hamilton said. "What the council did today was simply right. There's nothing wrong with gay people," Robert Lemon said. Supporters like Robert argue the change is beneficial because on the state and federal levels sexual orientation is not a protected class. "It sends a powerful message Oklahoma City won't tolerate discrimination. We're protecting all people," Hamilton said. "The council voted for inclusion," Ed Shadid said. Shadid, the resolution's author, said the fight for gay and lesbian rights is a no-brainer. "Everyone deserves to be included. I think this goes a long way to heal wounds of the past," Shadid said. Critics though point out the city's proposal is pointless because there's no proof city employees have been discriminated against based on sexual preference. "This will provide specific protection based on behavior and that in itself is wrong," Paul Blair said. In lieu of federal protections, many cities nationwide have passed similar ordinances, including our neighbors in Tulsa. The council ordinance does not apply to any other private businesses. Copyright © 2011, KFOR-TV __________________ To forgive is to set the prisoner free, And then discover the prisoner was you.