BY BTL STAFF
MLive reports that the Bay City Commission voted unanimously Monday on anti-discrimination protections for city employees, contractors and in housing. The ordinance is based on a similar ordinance on the books in Traverse City.
The ordinance was first discussed — and a first reading was unanimously approved by the commission — in an April 4 meeting.
"This ordinance was a no-brainer," said Bay City United for Change founder, Sandra Rogers. "No one was against it the day before it happened — no one ever spoke against the wording — and then we show up at the meeting and hear Equality Michigan's comments."
Those comments came from Nathan Triplett, political director at EM, and trans activist Charin Davenport. They expressed appreciation for the city's efforts, but issued concerns over the city's definition of gender identity and sexual orientation.
The proposed ordinance would extend protections to LGBT members as well as those with mental and physical disabilities.
Commissioner David Terrasi said he reached out to Equality Michigan earlier this year when there were talks to update the anti-discrimination ordinance; he says no input was offered until the day of the proposed update's first reading.
There was minimal discussion before the ordinance update ultimately passed in an 8-0 vote April 18.
Rogers added, "We have, again, put our little city of Bay City on the map for being a welcoming city for all — a city that doesn't discriminate and welcomes everybody. We are telling outsiders that this is a wonderful community to live in. It's a town without hate."
"I am very, very proud that we passed this," said Commissioner Kerice Basmadjian, 7th Ward. "I am just so proud of the city being so supportive of this. To see all of these residents stand up for such a cause is heartwarming."
