City Commission in Kansas Approves LGBT-Inclusive Non-Discrimination Ordinance

The City Commission of Manhattan, Kansas, passed a non-discrimination ordinance Tuesday night that includes sexual orientation and gender identity among the protected classes. The ordinance also protects people from discrimination based on race, military status and religion. Support for the ordinance came from the Mayor Bruce Snead, Commissioner Jayme Morris-Hardeman, and Commissioner Jim Sherow in a 3-2 majority vote. Katie Jackson, assistant city attorney, originally introduced the ordinance in December 2010. Since then, changes have been made to the wording of the ordinance to provide clarification. The revised version of the ordinance offers an unambiguous definition of gender identity and grants protection for both perceived and actual sexual orientation. Samuel Brinton, President of LGBTQ&More at Kansas State University, said the passing of the ordinance on Tuesday was ?an exciting day in history.? Mayor Snead added, ?It?s the right thing to do.?Related Media Coverage:Kansas State Collegian - February 9, 2011"Discrimination Ordinance Passes; Decision Finally Laid to Rest"http://www.kstatecollegian.com/news/discrimination-ordinance-passes-decision-finally-laid-to-rest-1.2462330

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