HomeMy WebLinkAboutNon-Discrimination Public Comment from Michael Holland 5-12-14From:Human Rights Campaign on behalf of Michael Holland
To:Agenda
Subject:Support Equality for LGBT Residents of Bozeman
Date:Monday, May 12, 2014 2:43:35 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.
I am a native Montanan who has lived in our great state all of my 42years, calling Bozeman home since 1989. I see no reason why anyone inBozeman should fear an NDO, but plenty of reasons why we should haveone. Our community has an opportunity to join other Montanacommunities and lead on this issue by demonstrating that all are trulywelcome here.
Passing the NDO today will put our community at the leading edge of thetrajectory which ultimately leads to having true equality codified inlaw at the state and federal level. That day is coming. The tide isturning, and Bozeman has a choice to make: We can either become one ofthe last hold-outs that gets dragged kicking and screaming intorecognizing and protecting the rights of ALL of our citizens, or we canact now and take a stand for equality. Let's put Bozeman on the rightside of history.
Sincerely,
Michael Holland
Bozeman, MT 59715-5223