Human Relations Commission Advocates for Non-Discrimination Ordinance

The Metro Human Relations Commission has voted to support a proposed ordinance that prohibits discrimination against gay employees.

The Human Relation Commission hears complaints of discrimination from both private employers and Metro Government. Executive director Kelvin Jones says no Metro employee has come to the 17-member body with a discrimination case base on sexual orientation. But Jones says he believes that’s because people are afraid to speak up.

“Very few individuals will run the risk of putting their names out there just to be martyrs when they know no protection exists for them.”

The Metro ordinance would prohibit hiring, firing or promoting on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation. It’s similar to an agreement hashed out last year between Metro Schools and the teachers union. If employees are found in violation, they are subject to disciplinary action.

Unlike previous attempts to pass a discrimination law, this only applies to Metro Government and not the private sector. The Metro Council takes it up on the second of three readings Thursday night.