Gay Today: World

Buffalo Passes Anti-Bias Amendment

By the Staff of Outcome
Buffalo, New York

Buffalo, New York --September 21-- The City Of Buffalo Common Council adopted legislation that municipal policy will serve to eliminate group prejudice, intolerance, bigotry and discrimination within the city.

The measure was formed and put forward to The Council by a coalition of African American and Hispanic community organization. The legislation also had the support of The Gay & Lesbian Coalition Of Western New York.

Andres Garcia, president of Hispanic And Friends Civic Association expressed his pleasure by remarking that this is a significant step for The Council to make.

Frank Mesiah, president of the local chapter of National Association For The Advancement Of Colored People (NAACP) indicated that The Council was moved by the support of the legislation by leaders of local minority coalitions.

"In many ways this action is symbolic and shows the advancement of the community in coalition building", stated Buffalo resident Bill Goodman. Goodman serves as counsel to the board of directors Empire State Pride Agenda, New York State's legislative action organization addressing interests of gays and lesbians.

"The Hispanic and black leaders included gay and lesbians as part of this legislation from the very beginning without any prompting from the gay and lesbian community." Goodman added.

The council amended Chapter 154 of the city code to provide relief for any person who experience property damage and or physical injury or death due to discrimination or bias based upon race, creed, national origin, sex, disability, age or sexual orientation.

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The legislation puts the city on record against hate crimes of any type including the violation of a persons civil rights. The legislation does not enact any new measures of relief for persons facing employment or housing discrimination but does reaffirm recourse if such an instance of discrimination cause any physical harm.

The language of the legislation indicates equal protection in Buffalo for persons regardless of actual or perceived sexual orientation, specifically citing "heterosexuality, homosexuality or bisexuality".

The legislation was moved by the legislation committee and seconded by Council member Kevin Helfer (C-University). The legislation was approved without objection. Mayor Anthony Masiello is expected to sign the legislation into law.

Courtesy of Outcome, September 1999
23 Lafayette Square #226; Buffalo, New York 14203
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