Jackson LGBTQ Ordinance Passes Second Reading Despite Increased Opposition

JACKSON HOLE, WY – The second reading of the LGBTQ non-discrimination ordinance was a clear win for civil rights advocates. The ordinance requires one more reading before it becomes law, but Jackson Town Council’s unanimous vote to advance it drew a deeper line in the sand as opponents dished vitriol.

During nearly 90 minutes of public comments on Monday, 19 people spoke in support of the ordinance that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity and fine offenders $750 per day.

“I’m one of the people who would be protected by this ordinance and I just wanted to put a face to someone who could possibly benefit from this,” Shelby Read said. “I am not a sexual predator, I am not a monster … I want to live my life unencumbered by hate from community members.”

Read’s plea was juxtaposed by the resistance of 14 opponents, nearly three times the number of critics that spoke at the first reading.

Read more: http://planetjh.com/2018/07/04/non-discrimination-passes-second-reading-despite-increased-opposition/