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The changing face of America
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Human Rights Campaign Says Victories Signal Growing Trend
Rising National Tide of Support for Equal Treatment
Compiled by Badpuppy's GayToday
From HRC Report
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The Gainesville, Florida City Commission's decision to include sexual orientation in the city's anti-discrimination ordinance is the latest success in a string of victories for gay equality, according to the Human Right's Campaign, the largest national gay and lesbian political organization.
"The victory in Gainesville illustrates the rising tide of support for gay and lesbian equality across the nation," said HRC National Field Director Donna Red Wing. "There is no doubt that we are gaining momentum and this is because the majority of Americans support equal treatment for gay people and oppose discrimination. We expect this positive trend to continue."
Gainesville's City Commission voted 3-1 Tuesday to amend the ordinance to include sexual orientation. This decision was the culmination of years of hard work by local activists.
"There are a lot of people who can go to work for the first time in their lives without fearing their careers will end if they are identified as gay. The activists who toiled long and hard to pass this ordinance deserve our enormous gratitude," said Missy Durant, a member of HRC's Board of Governors from Jacksonville, Florida.
The victory in Gainesville coincides with Oregon's extending domestic partner benefits to 45,000 state employees, both gay and heterosexual.
Oregon follows last month's announcement of legislation by New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani that would offer domestic partner benefits to city residents. That bill is expected to pass the City Council soon.
Additionally, voters in Ypsilanti, Mich., rolled back an attempt by religious political activists to repeal the city's anti-discrimination ordinance. The victory in Ypsilanti came despite an anti-gay rally featuring Green Bay Packers star and ordained minister Reggie White.
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