FAST FACTS:
(Memphis 7/19/2010) The emails and calls are hitting City Hall.
They are about the non-discrimination resolution.
Councilwoman Janis Fullilove is sponsoring the measure that saysthere should be no discrimination in hiring, promoting or demoting a city employee based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.
A second resolution also prohibits the discrimination by anyone who has a contract with the city or who uses city facilities.
"Every person has a right to make a living for his or her family or for themselves. Everyone has that right in this country. That's why I am standing firm on it, regardless of what the criticisms might be and I know there will be many," says Fullilove.
The latest criticism is coming from some prominent churches.
During Sunday service Bellevue Baptist Church Pastor Steve Gaines urged the congregation to tell their council members to vote no .
Gaines said the resolution is dangerous and a big concern since there is no exemption for churches that might do business with the city.
But it's not just Bellevue.
We are told at Temple of Deliverance Church of God in Christ members are also being told to urge council members to vote no.
Johnathan Cole is with the Tennessee Equality Project, the group that approached Janis Fullilove about sponsoring the measure.
"Right now it is legal in Memphis and the state of Tennessee to be fired simply cause someone is gay or lesbian or transgender. We think that's not fair. Gay, lesbian and transgenders are taxpayers like everyone else," says Cole.
The ordinance goes before the Memphis City Council's Personnel and Intergovernmental and Annexation Committee at 8:30 Tuesday morning in City Hall.
It will be the first of three readings.
- City Council resolution bans sexual orientation discrimination
- Some prominent church leaders oppose the resolution
- Resolution supporters call for equality
(Memphis 7/19/2010) The emails and calls are hitting City Hall.
They are about the non-discrimination resolution.
Councilwoman Janis Fullilove is sponsoring the measure that saysthere should be no discrimination in hiring, promoting or demoting a city employee based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.
A second resolution also prohibits the discrimination by anyone who has a contract with the city or who uses city facilities.
"Every person has a right to make a living for his or her family or for themselves. Everyone has that right in this country. That's why I am standing firm on it, regardless of what the criticisms might be and I know there will be many," says Fullilove.
The latest criticism is coming from some prominent churches.
During Sunday service Bellevue Baptist Church Pastor Steve Gaines urged the congregation to tell their council members to vote no .
Gaines said the resolution is dangerous and a big concern since there is no exemption for churches that might do business with the city.
But it's not just Bellevue.
We are told at Temple of Deliverance Church of God in Christ members are also being told to urge council members to vote no.
Johnathan Cole is with the Tennessee Equality Project, the group that approached Janis Fullilove about sponsoring the measure.
"Right now it is legal in Memphis and the state of Tennessee to be fired simply cause someone is gay or lesbian or transgender. We think that's not fair. Gay, lesbian and transgenders are taxpayers like everyone else," says Cole.
The ordinance goes before the Memphis City Council's Personnel and Intergovernmental and Annexation Committee at 8:30 Tuesday morning in City Hall.
It will be the first of three readings.
