Supporters of Kalamazoo Nondiscrimination Ordinance Form One Kalamazoo

Aug 03, 2009 10:00 am

Committee will work to protect ordinance at the ballot

Supporters of Kalamazoo Nondiscrimination Ordinance Form One Kalamazoo

Committee will work to protect ordinance at the ballot

August 3, 2009 – Today supporters of the Kalamazoo non-discrimination ordinance announced the formation of One Kalamazoo, a ballot question committee that will work to protect the ordinance at the ballot this fall.  One Kalamazoo is comprised of (18) eighteen steering committee members and enjoys additional support by a diverse coalition of community leaders, local organizations and businesses.  The effort will be led by Jon Hoadley who has extensive experience in Michigan and most recently headed the National Stonewall Democrats.

“Just last Wednesday, more than 5,700 signatures in support of the inclusive nondiscrimination ordinance were unveiled on the steps of City Hall in Kalamazoo”, said Dr. Charles Warfield, president of the NAACP, Kalamazoo chapter.  “Kalamazoo sent a message.  Discrimination is wrong.”

“We look forward to continuing a public conversation about the importance of protecting all hardworking Kalamazoo residents. Everyone should have the chance to earn a living, provide a safe home for their families and otherwise enjoy what Kalamazoo has to offer without fear of being treated differently or unfairly” said Jon Hoadley, campaign manager for One Kalamazoo.

The inclusive nondiscrimination ordinance was passed by the City Commission on June 29 after five public forums were held to hear comments about the ordinance.  The final ordinance, which simply adjusts current employment and housing/accommodations law to protect gay and transgender people as it currently protects people based on race, gender, and religion, includes revisions proposed during the public forums.