Lawmakers in Tulsa, Oklahoma have voted
in favor of protecting gay city workers from discrimination.
The 6-3 vote to add sexual orientation
to the city's non-discrimination policy came two weeks ago. The
policy already outlaws discrimination on the basis of race, color,
sex, religion, national origin, political beliefs, age, ancestry and
disability.
“This makes such a strong statement
to the region on how Tulsa is a welcoming and sensible island in a
state that is often ridiculed for being intolerant and unjust towards
marginalized populations,” Kris Wilmes, director of advocacy for
Oklahoma Equality,
said in a statement.
Speaking against the measure during the
June 17 meeting, Council Member Jim Mautino said he could not support
the measure because of his religious beliefs. City Council Chairman
Rick Westcott said he was against the measure because sexual
orientation has not been recognized as a protected class by any
court. Councilman John Eagleton said the measure would invite
frivolous lawsuits.
Councilman G.T. Bynum noted that the
law would protect everyone.
“Sexual orientation does not just
apply to gay people,” he said. “If a straight city employee has
a gay supervisor and is discriminated against, this would protect
them just as quickly as it would the other way around. So this does
apply to everyone.”
Oklahoma Equality said it would
continue working to add gender identity to the policy's list of
protected classes.