HomeMy WebLinkAboutNon-Discrimination Ordinance Public Comment from Rachel Holle 2-14From:Jeff Krauss
To:Agenda
Subject:Fwd: NDO Consideration
Date:Monday, February 17, 2014 11:12:46 AM
Begin forwarded message:
From: "R. Holle" <racholle@wildblue.net>Date: February 17, 2014 at 11:07:00 AM MSTTo: <jkrauss@bozeman.net>Subject: NDO Consideration
Dear Mayor Krauss,
It has come to my attention that an NDO (Non-DiscriminationOrdinance) is being considered for the City of Bozeman. I amsurprised and concerned that this has not been made morepublic.
For Bozeman, a fairly open-minded city, this seems unnecessaryand it probably is a solution in search of a problem. If a NDO ispassed, it would be in invitation for many lawsuits that mayeasily take a negative turn, and and would cause much loss oftime and resources to defend The United State Supreme Courthas already held that a citizen's first amendment rights aresuperior to some of these anti-discrimination statutes. Evenwith ObamaCare we are seeing a whole host of lawsuits overthe abortion portion of it from religious and private citizens. Bozeman doesn't need to incur these costs and devote its timeand resources to that. I would think this is an issue better leftto the state legislature, making it consistent throughout thestate.
We must consider, if we are granting specific people groupsspecial rights we often are causing a greater group to loserights, such as legally making choices according to their moraland/or religious convictions/beliefs.
Therefore, I strongly request that you vote no on this proposal.
If the commissioners actually did pass an NDO, for sure religiousentities and non-profits should be exempt.
And if a NDO were actually passed, making all our businesses,schools, churches, etc. have transgender bathrooms and locker-room accommodations would be quite a economic burden, andtherefore should NOT be required. And, certainly, making it
legal for men to use women's bathrooms (or the opposite)should not be included in the NDO. Would you want aregistered male sex offender to be allowed in a bathroom littlegirls use? It's bad enough they may be using the bathroomslittle boys use. And imagine an elderly lady realizing a manwas in the ladies restroom when she comes out of a stall.
There is much to consider in a proposal like an NDO. Do weneed these extra laws in this town and while we may becreating special rights for one group, are we subtracting fromthe rights of another group?
I thank you for your time to read this and in advance for yourthoughtfulness in your decision.Rachel HolleBozeman, MT