Nashville Metro passes controversial GLBT nondiscrimination bill

September 18, 4:13 PMNashville Gay Community ExaminerDon Bradshaw

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                     Councilwoman Megan Barry

On Tuesday Sept 15th, in a 25 to 15 vote, Nashville Metro Council passed the controversial ordinance that would ban discrimination against the GLBT community in the city workplace.

According to the Tennessean, Councilwoman, Megan Barry, who has been campaigning for this cause since the beginning said, "I believe that all employees deserve protection, and it's my responsibility as a council member to make sure that happens."

What happens now if a city employee feels they are discriminated against because of their sexual orientation or gender identity? According to The City Paper, the persons "can file a claim with the Human Relations Commission, which can now investigate the matter."

How did your Council Member vote?

In Favor Of The Bill -  BL-2009-502:

Greg Adkins, Buddy Baker, Megan Barry, Karen Bennett, Erik Cole, Emily Evans, Tim Garrett, Erica Gilmore, Frank Harrison, Jason Holleman, Walter Hunt, Mike Jameson, Darren Jernigan, Kristine LaLonde, Edith Langster, Lonnell Matthews Jr., Jerry Maynard, Sean McGuire, Bo Mitchell, Sandra Moore, Pam Murray, Anna Page, Ronnie Steine and Carter Todd  

Those Who Voted Against The Bill - BL-2009-502:

Carl Burch, Phil Claiborne, Sam Coleman, Michael Craddock, Eric Crafton, Duane Dominy, Robert Duvall, Jim Forkum, Randy Foster, Jim Gotto, Jim Hodge, Rip Ryman, Bruce Stanley, Parker Toler and Charlie Tygard

Councilwoman Vivian Wilhoite  was not in the chambers when the vote took place, but said later if she did vote, she would have been in favor of the bill.

On a personal note, I am so glad that Nashville has at least one foot in the 21st century. Here's hoping we get the rest of our ragged old body in there before the turn of the century.