From the Human Rights Campaign:
NEWS from the Human Rights Campaign
Cincinnati's Passage of Non-Discrimination Measure a Triumph for Fairness
"Cincinnati is a symbol of where America itself is when it comes to fairness. In large cities and small towns, on the coasts and in the heartland, Americans want us moving toward equality, not away from it," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.
WASHINGTON - Following the November 2004 repeal of a one-of-a-kind anti-gay law, the Cincinnati City Council voted today to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression in employment, housing and public accommodations. Led by Equality Cincinnati and local leaders and supported by the Human Rights Campaign, the move ensures fairness for Cincinnatians.
"Cincinnati is a symbol of where America itself is when it comes to fairness," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "Cincinnati is a symbol of where America itself is when it comes to fairness. In large cities and small towns, on the coasts and in the heartland, Americans want us moving toward equality, not away from it."
Solmonese continued, "Equality Cincinnati and local leaders, especially Councilman Crowley, deserve enormous respect for their work. In the face of an anti-gay political obstacle sustained by a few, they gave voice to the many. "
In November 2004, the majority of Cincinnatians repealed the city's discriminatory Article XII, which prohibited the city from passing any laws protecting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. The city stood alone in the United States as the only place where such laws were prohibited.
The Council voted 8 to 1 to pass the non-discrimination initiative. Some of Ohio's largest private corporations already prohibit this kind of discrimination, including Nationwide, NCR Corp., Owens Corning and Cooper Tire and Rubber.
Cincinnati joins 76 other jurisdictions prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Seventeen states and the District of Columbia prohibit sexual orientation-based discrimination and eight also prohibit gender identity-based discrimination.
