NLR council adopts anti-bias ordinance

Policy update affects only city workers

City employees in North Little Rock can't be discriminated against because of sexual orientation, gender identity or other factors under a written policy adopted by the City Council on Monday.

The ordinance passed 7-0. Alderman Linda Robinson was absent, but was one of the legislation's three sponsors, along with Aldermen Debi Ross and Steve Baxter.

The policy will take effect in 60 days, because there was no emergency clause included that would have put the policy into effect immediately.

North Little Rock's Equal Employment policies and procedures already says the city cannot discriminate in employment or services "regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, national origin or veteran status."

Ordinance 15-19 approved Monday amends the Equal Employment policy to insert "sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, [or] marital status."

Last week, Conway approved a similar ban against discrimination within its city government in a 6-2 vote. Eureka Springs approved Feb. 9 an anti-bias law that is citywide, but city voters will decide whether they want to overturn that law in a May 12 election.

"This is strictly for city employees," Ross said before the council's vote Monday. "We're not trying to tell churches what to do or tell businesses what to do. This is about the city not discriminating."

Alderman Murry Witcher also spoke in support, saying that diversity among employees "also brings new ideas to the table and makes operations better."

Three residents spoke about the issue during a public comment period, with two being in support of the legislation and one against.

"This is not about religion or sexuality," Presley Melton told the council in support of the ordinance. "It's about discrimination. A vote for is saying you're open minded and accepting to all people. A vote against is saying the city is fine with allowing discrimination based on sexual orientation."

Matt Kirk said that having a nonbias policy shows that an employer is open to "all individuals and allows them to show their brilliance." He added that when workers know a employer stands behind them and "not live in fear" that "great things can happen."

In contrast, Chad Dennis asked aldermen to table the legislation to allow more time for its consideration, saying it is a "very complex and emotional issue." He also questioned the need for the changes, mentioning that a city official stated last week that no cases of discrimination have been brought against the city involving any of the factors stated in the legislation.

"I see this being, in many ways, a solution in search of a problem," Dennis said.

Metro on 03/03/2015

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