7:40 PM December 19, 2005
Gay rights ordinance passesThe City-County Council tonight passed legislation banning discrimination in the workplace and housing market based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Proposal 622 passed 15-14.
The vote quickly followed the council's vote to merge the city and county police departments. Both issues were handled in less than 45 minutes.
Both measures also appeared to be dead earlier this year, only to return to the council to win narrow victories. The police consolidation plan passed 16-13.
Opponents to Proposal 622 said little evidence was presented that gays and lesbians had been discriminated against. Others contended the measure was a step closer to sanctioning gay marriage.
Supporters argued the anti-discrimination ordinance merely extends the practices of most large companies, the governor's office, the prosecutor's office and city hall and applies them to all businesses and landlords within Marion County.
Advocates also say the measure sends a message that Indianapolis is a friendly city to gays and lesbians. Business leaders supported the measure to attract top talent here.
As the vote was announced supporters applauded and cheered. Among them was Jeff Miner, pastor of Jesus Metropolitan Community Church, which says it has the Midwest's largest gay and transgender congregation.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051219/NEWS01/51219027
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