Sioux Falls, SD (KELO AM) - A proposed measure to add gender identity to the city's anti-discrimination ordinance was withdrawn by the city council during Tuesday's meeting. The vote was 5-2, with councilmembers Michelle Erpenbach and Pat Starr providing the no votes.
The council approved the withdrawal with very little discussion. The same could not be said for the public input session of the meeting, in which several supporters of the LGBT community encouraged, and at times demanded, the council reconsider the ordinance. Highlights of the discussion included:
"Now you guys (the council) say that you don't discriminate against any group of people. It says it on our web site and you make it so clear in public forum, but it's not written down, our transgender brothers and sisters are not protected." Ashley Joubert-Gaddis, Director of Operations for the Center for Equality
"You are always free to extend respect and dignity to everyone. For myself, I will say that my faith calls me to do this to honor the worth and dignity of everyone" Rev. David Kramer, All Souls Unitarian Universalist
"It is comforting that our city has an informal process in place that they do not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The Center for Equality thanks you for that. But what we need now is that promise, and this amendment was that promise to the community. I pray that this council does the right thing, and I hope to see this on the table again soon." - Thomas Christensen, President of the Center for Equality.
During the public input session Mayor Mike Huether emphasized that the amendment could be brought back, however it is unclear just when that would happen.