HomeMy WebLinkAboutNon-Discrimination Public Comment from James Nelson 5-12-14From:Human Rights Campaign on behalf of James Nelson
To:Agenda
Subject:Support Equality for LGBT Residents of Bozeman
Date:Monday, May 12, 2014 3:13:37 PM
May 12, 2014
Bozeman City Commision
Dear City Commision,
As a supporter of the Human Rights Campaign and equal rights for allBozeman residents, I am writing to urge you to pass the historicnondiscrimination ordinance that would prohibit discrimination on thebasis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Missoula, Helena, andButte already have similar nondiscrimination laws, and now it's timefor Bozeman to do the same and further equality across the TreasureState.
All hardworking Bozemanites, including LGBT residents, should have theopportunity to earn a living and provide for their families free fromdiscrimination. Please continue to work to ensure that thisnondiscrimination ordinance is passed; it's the right thing to do.
The First Amendment protects the right of individuals to exercise theirreligion; it does not give those same individuals the right to imposetheir religious beliefs on third parties. Serving LGBTQ people willnot impair the merchant's ability to worship, to go church, to pray anddo all of the other religious activities protected by the FirstAmendment. The Religion clauses of the First Amendment do not includea right to discriminate.
Sincerely,
James Nelson
Helena, MT 59601-5691