When Rev. RJ Robles went before the Metro Employee Benefit Board in June, he had one ask of the board while they considered adding gender-affirming surgeries to the city’s health insurance plan:
“Regardless of where you stand on this issue, regardless of whether you see the humanity within me, that you see this as from the perspective of an employer offering quality health care to all of its employees that is based on equality,” he said.
Robles said he would consider leaving his position as Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion for the city’s Human Relations Commission if the measure didn’t pass, and that Metro would continue to lose talent.
The board ultimately voted 4-5 not to adopt the change. Edna Jones was among the “No” votes.
“My God does not make mistakes,” Jones said. “He creates each of us as he chooses. I will vote no. Thank you.”
Board member Harold Finch also voted no, disagreeing with Robles’ argument.
“What is the skill set of this subgroup that Nashville is lacking that we don’t find in the other 99?” Finch said.
Finch and Jones are now the subject of an ethics complaint over those comments. Activist Maryam Abolfazli filed the complaint Thursday, which alleges that both board members’ arguments amount to discrimination.
“It’s a problem when board members who make decisions that directly impact the health and well-being of Metro employees can make such blatantly discriminatory, hateful and ignorant statements without fanfare or consequence,” Abolfazli says.
Metro employee Alex Danner calls the decision a slap to the face.
“We are not disposable commodities. We are hardworking and talented individuals who have contributed to the growth of this city,” Danner says.
Community members say they expect a response from Metro in the next two weeks.
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