The Indianapolis
city council on Monday night narrowly approved a measure
banning discrimination against gay, lesbian, and transgender
people in housing, employment, and public
accommodations. After the same measure failed last
April on an 18-11 vote, three Democrats and one
Republican changed course, resulting in a
15-14 vote to enact the
pro-gay protections. A controversial proposal about
merging the city's police force also passed
Monday after failing earlier this year, prompting
opponents of both measures to accuse council members of vote
trading.
Hailing the vote
as a symbolic victory, the gay rights group Human Rights
Campaign and the state gay organization Indiana Equality
didn't question the council members'
motives. "Indianapolis is another great example of a
city in the middle of America that is moving the country
closer to equality and fairness for all
Americans," said HRC president Joe Solmonese.
City and state
government hiring policies already include such
protections for gays, but the new measure will apply to any
business with six or more employees, excluding
religious institutions and certain nonprofits.
(Advocate.com)
