HomeMy WebLinkAboutNon-Discrimination Public Comment from Patrick Hessman 5-8-14 From: Aimee Brunckhor5t on behalf of Agenda
To: Cvndv Andrus
Subject: FW:Nondiscrimination Ordinance Support
Date: Monday,May 12,2014 8:22:56 AM
Aimee Brunckhorst
Deputy City Clerk
Clerk's Office
City of Bozeman,Montana
406-582-2320
www.bozeman.net
From: Patrick Hessman [mailto patrickvhessman@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2014 11:06 PM
To: Agenda
Subject: Nondiscrimination Ordinance Support
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen of the City Commission,
I am writing you today to urge your support for the proposed city-wide non-discrimination ordinance, as a citizen
of Bozeman living at 404 South 11th Avenue, who has lived and worked in this wonderful city for several years
now. I am proud that you represent this city, you have been incredibly generous in my previous interactions with
you,and hope will you would take my input into consideration for this very important issue.
My support for this ordinance boils down to a simple principle: I believe all people, regardless of sexual
orientation or gender identification,deserve to be treated as equals and valued citizens of society and the city of
Bozeman. As laws currently stand now,gay,lesbian, and transgender persons can be denied housing or
employment simply because of a part of their identities they were born with. It is an exciting opportunity for
Bozeman to join Missoula, Helena, and Butte in stepping up to support equality in Montana.
I implore that you not be swayed by those who would cry religious freedoms would be infringed upon by such an
ordinance. It is a frightening prospect to think Bozeman would continue to allow institutionalized discrimination in
the name of religion. It seems odd that those who oppose this ordinance would neglect Jesus's teachings of love
and tolerance,which is one of my many reasons for supporting the ordinance.
I thank you for a moment of your time to read this letter. I also thank you for taking the time to draft and consider
this ordinance. It is my sincerest hope that this letter will help in your decision-making process.
Best regards,
Patrick V. Hessman
Patrick V. Hessman
(406) 853-69899
www.patrickvhessman.corn