Transgender protection bill put on hold

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - A bill that would have added protections for transgender people in Fort Wayne was taken off the table, Tuesday.

Democratic city council member Karen Goldner was expected to introduce the proposed amendment at Tuesday's city council meeting. It's aimed at preventing or punishing discrimination based on "gender identity."

But she pulled it off the table at the last minute, saying she did not have enough votes to introduce it.

"I just think that that's really sad," Goldner told NewsChannel 15. "I think it says a lot about maybe where people are at. But I think it's very sad."

The lack of discussion among council members did not stop people from sounding off after the meeting. Several supporters and one opposer of the bill took the podium to tell council what they thought.

Among them, Indianapolis resident Vivian Benge, who identifies herself as a transgender woman. "I've been followed through city streets by skinheads and other people, you know, being threatened with violence," said Benge. "It's just goofy to think about; this issue as something that doesn't matter to anybody."

Goldner says she will try to introduce again the ordinance in two weeks.