PORTAGE (WKZO-AM) — The Portage City Council got a standing ovation from a large crowd after they voted 6-1 to modify the city’s anti-discrimination ordinance to include the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities on Tuesday.
The proposal is designed to protect LGBT residents from discrimination in housing, employment and public accomodation.
Over 150 people turned out for what turned into a marathon session. 40 people spoke on the ordinance and only five were opposed.
The opponents argued that the ordinance would create gray areas about the use of bathrooms, and that it was taking away the rights of the majority and handing special privileges to a minority group. The claims were dismissed as fear-mongering by other speakers and legally inaccurate by city staff.
Opponents also called for a city referendum on the issue. Council Member Patricia Randall said she investigated adoption of similar laws and ordinances all over the country and found that only a handful involved public votes and, in every case, the change was approved.
Members of the clergy, employees and executives at Pfizer and Kellogg, straight people, gay people and the parents of transgender children all appeared to support its passage. They said it would be good for the wellbeing of its citizens, good for business and good for the reputation of the community.
They also warned that the opposite would be true if it failed.
Veteran Council Member Terry Urban, who first proposed the change and was its strongest advocate, apologized for waiting this long, and not proposing it years ago.
It will take effect in just over two weeks.
