Earlier this year, the Hutchinson City Council enacted an ordinance prohibiting the firing and eviction of people because of their sexual orientation.
Although officials with the Kansas Equality Coalition felt it came short of fully protecting gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgenders against discrimination, as others minorities are, the Hutchinson chapter felt there had been some progress, according to Jon Powell, local KEC president.
The Hutchinson Human Relations Commission had unanimously voted for, and recommended to the City Council, the KEC request to grant GLBT persons equal rights in terms of anti-discrimination, and add them as a class to the existing city ordinance, prohibiting discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. After rigorous discussion, the City Council passed the limited protection ordinance by a vote of 3 to 2.
What they call a Wichita-based extremist group with national funding is now organizing an effort to repeal the Hutchinson ordinance by putting it to a public vote, according to Powell. “As limited as it is, they are still determined to take away what little protection we got,” he said.
KEC has decided to mount a petition drive in response. It’s purpose will be to put equal rights for the gay, lesbian, and bisexual population of Hutchinson to a public vote. Chad Graber, KEC board member, explained, “If passed, this will strengthen the ordinance the city council has already enacted.”
Powell add, “Our proposal will modify the current Hutchinson Human Rights law to include a new ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment and housing, and will do so in a more permanent and effective way.”
They say they have less then a week to get the required number of signatures. So for those in favor of keeping Hutchinson free of discrimination, KEC members will have petitions available to sign Tuesday and Wednesday, August 14 and 15, from 5:00 p-m to 7:00 p-m at various locations.
Powell said the locations were selected to make them convenient and easy to find for all residents, and they decided on Hyde Park, a block west off of Main on 21st Street, by the fountain in Carey Park, right inside the Main Street entrance, at the Porter Commons Clubhouse, directly behind Lonestar Steakhouse on Katie Drive; and at George Pyle Park, across from City Hall.
KEC members will also have petitions at Third Thursday in the Grasshopper Park, just west of Memorial Hall.
For more information visit www.kechutch.org.