ANDERSON – With little discussion Thursday night, Anderson City Council unanimously passed through two of the three required readings an ordinance that would extend protection against discrimination to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.
Final passage of the ordinance is expected at the council’s Dec. 10 meeting.
Floyd Edwards, director of the city's Human Relations Department, said the ordinance adds the LGBT community to the list of groups protected against discrimination in housing, education, employment and public accommodations.
According to council attorney Tim Lanane, a longstanding city ordinance already provides such protections against discrimination based on gender, religion, race, color, national origin, ancestry and disabilities.
He said anyone experiencing discrimination can file a complaint with the Human Relations Department. The Human Rights Commission can issue a cease-and-desist order and, in some cases, issue a fine.
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