Kansas Town Tries To Undo Nondiscrimination Ordinance

by Mindy Townsend · 2011-05-02 08:19:00 UTC
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It is always worth remembering that no amount of progress is irreversible, especially in a time where the culture war seems to be as prevalent and potent as ever.

Back in February I wrote about a significant victory for LGBT people in Kansas. Manhattan, KS (home of all things purple and Wildcatty) passed an ordinance that prohibits discrimination against people based on sexual orientation and gender identity. I had also written about attempts to stop it and undo it. But ultimately, the ordinance passed, and I couldn’t have been more proud.

But after April’s city commission election, it looks like all of that hard work may be undone. Two of the original supporters of the ordinance have been ousted, and replaced with people who would love to see the ordinance repealed.

I’m gonna give you a few moments to pound your head against your keyboard. I know I’m going to.

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This is happening kind of soon. On May 3, the Manhattan City Commission will debate a repeal of this, frankly (for Kansas), groundbreaking non-discrimination ordinance. The vote was close the first time around, but in the end, justice won out.

This time, things are less certain. Now those who favor a policy of nondiscrimination are outnumbered two to three. (I’m not above naming names: Mayor Pro Tem Loren Pepperd and Commissioners John Matta and Wynn Butler have come out for repeal.) But this ordinance is too important to the LGBT people of Manhattan, KS to just throw in the towel. Please join me in urging Pepperd, Matta and Butler to reconsider their position and vote for equality!

Photo credit: Lindsay Tan

Mindy Townsend is a recent law graduate.

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