A resolution supporting non-discrimination in the City of Butler failed to pass a vote by Butler City Council Thursday night.
Butler City Mayor Tom Donaldson proposed the resolution, which failed to achieve the necessary three votes needed to pass. Councilwoman Kathy Kline and Councilman Corey Roche voted against the resolution, while Councilman Mike Walter abstained.
The resolution would have confirmed that council was in favor of showing “proper respect for the dignity of all members of our community” regardless of a variety of factors , ncluding gender identity and expression.
Councilwoman Kline agreed with the wording of the resolution but felt that the timing of the proposal was wrong.
“I just think it’s a little premature and it’s kind of putting the cart before the horse a little bit,” Kline said. “We certainly have a lot of time that if we feel a resolution is needed, we can certainly have a resolution.”
Members of groups both in favor and opposed to an ordinance to create a Human Relations Authority in the City of Butler agreed Tuesday to continue meeting with a goal of a compromise.
Current state and federal law establishing civil rights protections does not include specific language regarding sexual orientation, so individual organizations are free to make their own decisions.
Some supporters of the ordinance in the city say Mayor Donaldson’s resolution lacks any ability to address or stop discriminatory behavior where an ordinance would.
Written By: Ryan Saeler
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