HomeMy WebLinkAboutNon-Discrimination Public Comment from Shannon Willoughby 4-24-14From:Stacy Ulmen
To:Agenda
Subject:FW: Create an NDO that is fair!
Date:Thursday, April 24, 2014 9:01:20 AM
-----Original Message-----From: swilloughby78@gmail.com [mailto:swilloughby78@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2014 2:07 PMTo: Stacy UlmenSubject: Create an NDO that is fair!
Shannon Willoughby205 S. 5th. Ave.Bozeman, MT 59715-4514
April 23, 2014
City of Bozeman121 North Rouse PO Box 1230Bozeman, MT 59711
City of Bozeman:
Strong communities take care of their neighbors.
Bozeman is that kind of community. Passing an ordinance to protect people from discrimination on thebasis of sexual orientation and gender identity just makes sense. Our gay, lesbian, bisexual andtransgender neighbors deserve to be able to work, live and do business in Bozeman.
The nondiscrimination ordinance would prohibit discrimination against LGBT people in employment,housing and public accommodations.
Please create a non-discrimination ordinance that makes it clear that discrimination is not only morallywrong, but that it is illegal. Church groups already have clear cut protections not only through the stateof Montana but also enshrined in the US Constitution. They need no extra protections from theBozeman City Commission. If an individual chooses to open a business, they have no constitutionalright to discriminate against others based on their religious beliefs. It is paramount that an NDO craftedby you be clear on this fact; as I am sure you are aware the Supreme Court recently declined to hear acase on just this topic. Do not give private citizens an out to discriminate by cloaking it in the false flagof 'religious freedom'.
The qualities of justice and fairness that brings us together are far greater than what makes usdifferent. This ordinance isn't only about protecting our neighbors from experiencing discrimination. It'sabout branding Bozeman as a welcoming and diverse community.
Please pass the nondiscrimination ordinance.
Thank you
Shannon Willoughby