HomeMy WebLinkAboutNon-Discrimination Ordinance Public Comment from Judy Kelly 4-7-14 a-�clG
Citvdesk@dailychronicle.com Apf113, 2014
Letter to the Editor.
In addressing the current non-discrimination ordinance being considered by our City Commission,we
should consider that true tolerance is what we currently have in Bozeman. We do not need some other
law to bring this about. Montana is so tolerant,that we have not had any examples of discrimination. If
this becomes law, Montana's live-and-let-live attitude will give way to FORCED PARTICIPATION in the
NDO,which restricts the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution (and the Montana Constitution). It
states:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion prohibiting the free exercise
thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech..."
The NDO prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation,gender identity or expression. This
sounds innocent when we talk about housing or employment, but it is much more far reaching:
It will allow any man to use women's restrooms and locker rooms—NO THANKS!
It paves the way for suits against businesses, churches, and schools.
These ordinances have already caused significant problems:
1. WA, OR, CO, NM business owners have had their businesses shut down and have been
threatened with jail time for not being willing to participate in same sex weddings.
2. In Kentucky a shop that would not print gay pride t-shirts was fined.
3. In WA and CO the public has had to endure men exposing themselves to young girls in public
showers and locker rooms.
As followers of Jesus,The "free exercise of our religion," allows us to stand for God's principles which
are clearly defined in the Bible; if we love God we are to honor His Word by our actions. We are also
told to LOVE ALL of His creation;we are told to NOT HATE anyone.
Because of our stand we are accused of hatred by those who hate us.
Judy Kelly
137 Fawn Creek Trail, Bozeman, MT 59715
406-587-8891