Very early yesterday morning, the Missoula City Council adopted the first equality ordinance in all of Montana that protects people from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
"Most of us can't remember civil rights in action," said Councilwoman Stacy Rye, an ordinance sponsor. "This is it for us. This is our lifetimes."
After a nearly seven hour meeting, the ordinance, which protects Missoula residents from housing and employment discrimination based on "actual or perceived ... sexual orientation, gender identity or expression" passed by a vote of 10-2.
"Hopefully our actions tonight will ripple through Montana from Libby to Billings, from Dillon to Wolf Point, and eventually to the capital in Helena," said Councilman Dave Strohmaier, another sponsor of the ordinance.
Apparently, oddly enough, anti-discrimination ordinances are a contentious issue in Missoula. Mayor John Engen even warned people in attendance that he would recess the meeting if the audience clapped for anyone--for or against the proposal. But when the final vote was taken, the pent-up applause erupted and many supporters offered the council a standing ovation.
And they deserved They've set the standard for the rest of Montana, and for another other town which doesn't protect it's citizens from discrimination.
First steps.
"Most of us can't remember civil rights in action," said Councilwoman Stacy Rye, an ordinance sponsor. "This is it for us. This is our lifetimes."
After a nearly seven hour meeting, the ordinance, which protects Missoula residents from housing and employment discrimination based on "actual or perceived ... sexual orientation, gender identity or expression" passed by a vote of 10-2.
"Hopefully our actions tonight will ripple through Montana from Libby to Billings, from Dillon to Wolf Point, and eventually to the capital in Helena," said Councilman Dave Strohmaier, another sponsor of the ordinance.
Apparently, oddly enough, anti-discrimination ordinances are a contentious issue in Missoula. Mayor John Engen even warned people in attendance that he would recess the meeting if the audience clapped for anyone--for or against the proposal. But when the final vote was taken, the pent-up applause erupted and many supporters offered the council a standing ovation.
And they deserved They've set the standard for the rest of Montana, and for another other town which doesn't protect it's citizens from discrimination.
Good job, Missoula!
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