FROM A NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE NEWS RELEASE
"This marks an important victory for Kalamazoo, where voters have affirmed that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are part of the fundamental social fabric of the city, which now joins nearly 20 other cities in Michigan that have enacted nondiscrimination ordinances."
— Rea Carey, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 — Voters in Kalamazoo, Mich., have passed Ordinance 1856, which bans discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation in housing, employment and public accommodations, according to unofficial results. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force contributed to today's victory through staff and financial support provided to One Kalamazoo, the locally-driven, grassroots campaign that defended the nondiscrimination protections. The Task Force Action Fund supported One Kalamazoo with a $10,000 contribution and dispatched Task Force organizers to work on the field operations, including an organizer who served as the field director. The Task Force organized the Kalamazoo Power Summit that trained local leaders in grassroots organizing, and provided ongoing advice and consultation to the One Kalamazoo campaign.
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Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
"This marks an important victory for Kalamazoo, where voters have affirmed that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are part of the fundamental social fabric of the city, which now joins nearly 20 other cities in Michigan that have enacted nondiscrimination ordinances. In affirming fairness, voters also rejected a reprehensible right-wing campaign grounded in lies and fear-mongering.
"Congratulations to One Kalamazoo and all the volunteers who ran a strong and successful campaign. One Kalamazoo's leadership has led to a victory that creates a stronger and more welcoming city for everyone. We thank all those who stood for fairness today."
Statement by Jon Hoadley, Campaign Manager One Kalamazoo
"With a resounding 'yes,' today Kalamazoo stood for fairness and equality. Now Kalamazoo residents will not have to live in fear of being fired from their jobs, denied housing, or discriminated against in public accommodations, simply for being who they are. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's training, expertise, financial contributions and full-time, on-the-ground staff were a valuable part of our grassroots campaign."
To learn more about the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, visit www.theTaskForce.org
FROM A FAMILY EQUALITY COUNCIL NEWS RELEASE
Today voters of Kalamazoo, Michigan passed Ordinance 1856. Originally approved twice by the City Commission of Kalamazoo, opponents forced a public referendum on the Ordinance. The Ordinance revises the City's existing non-discrimination law to include LGBT people.
With the passage of this legislation, LGBT individuals in Kalamazoo are provided legal protection from discrimination at work, in seeking housing and in enjoying public accommodations such as restaurants and hotels.
Statement of Jennifer Chrisler, Executive Director, Family Equality Council:
€"Kalamazoo is a leading community in the fight for equality. This Ordinance ensures LGBT families basic protections such as the ability to secure a place to live or eat in a restaurant. It also enables that LGBT individuals can work and provide for their children and families without the fear of being fired for reasons unrelated to their job performance. The public�"€™s support for LGBT people and these basic protections is great for Kalamazoo and adds to the momentum towards full equality for all families across this country. Jon Hoadley did an outstanding job leading the charge and ensuring this passage of Ordinance 1856."
See www.familyequality.org .
