FAST FACTS:
(Memphis, 7/20/2010) Memphis City Councilwoman Janis Fullilove says it's a human right to be protected in the workplace.
"I'm looking at a person has the right to take care of himself," said Fullilove in the committee meeting.
Fullilove is behind a push to amend language in the city's code of ordinances by adding the line about not discriminating "because of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression" when it comes to city employees.
That language, if approved, would also apply to city contracts and groups using city facilities.
"Nashville city government has already eclipsed Shelby County by passing workplace protections and an ordinance for its employees that specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity expression," said Jonathan Cole from the Tennessee Equality Project.
Steven Gaines is the pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church. Gaines spoke out against the amendment during Sunday services and again today in the committee meeting. Several church members showed up today to lend support.
Gaines told the Council Fullilove's amendment doesn't eliminate discrimination, it creates it.
"It's going to discriminate against people of faith who are Christians in their world view and I believe with all my heart that they have right too," said Gaines.
Recently Gaines didn't allow a softball team to play in a church league because the coach revealed she was homosexual. He says Christian businesses and private businesses should have the right to choose who they do business with.
"We have to check out anyone who is living a lifestyle whether its homosexuality, adultery doesn't matter what it is, when it comes to a leadership position in our church we can't do that," added Gaines.
The amendment has been sent to the full council where it will be read 3 times before it is voted on.
- An amendment to the City's Non-Discrimination ordinance went before a City Council committee
- Councilwoman Janice Fullilove wants to amend the current ordinance
- Area pastors say keep the laws as they are contending the ban on discrimination creates discrimination itself
(Memphis, 7/20/2010) Memphis City Councilwoman Janis Fullilove says it's a human right to be protected in the workplace.
"I'm looking at a person has the right to take care of himself," said Fullilove in the committee meeting.
Fullilove is behind a push to amend language in the city's code of ordinances by adding the line about not discriminating "because of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression" when it comes to city employees.
That language, if approved, would also apply to city contracts and groups using city facilities.
"Nashville city government has already eclipsed Shelby County by passing workplace protections and an ordinance for its employees that specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity expression," said Jonathan Cole from the Tennessee Equality Project.
Steven Gaines is the pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church. Gaines spoke out against the amendment during Sunday services and again today in the committee meeting. Several church members showed up today to lend support.
Gaines told the Council Fullilove's amendment doesn't eliminate discrimination, it creates it.
"It's going to discriminate against people of faith who are Christians in their world view and I believe with all my heart that they have right too," said Gaines.
Recently Gaines didn't allow a softball team to play in a church league because the coach revealed she was homosexual. He says Christian businesses and private businesses should have the right to choose who they do business with.
"We have to check out anyone who is living a lifestyle whether its homosexuality, adultery doesn't matter what it is, when it comes to a leadership position in our church we can't do that," added Gaines.
The amendment has been sent to the full council where it will be read 3 times before it is voted on.
