FW Council rejects gender identity bill

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Fort Wayne City Council voted 5-4 Tuesday night not to consider a bill that would have considered sexual orientation and gender identity to be protected classes like race and religion.

"I'm obviously very disappointed there were five members who wouldn't even discuss the matter. "I think it is the job of council to review and discuss ordinances, it's not our job to approve every ordinance, but it is our job to review and discuss them," said Councilwoman Karen Goldner.

Considering sexual orientation and gender identity as classes would protect more people from discrimination when it comes to things like buying or renting homes and getting jobs. But not everyone on Fort Wayne's City Council thinks that is an issue in the community.

"I really can't find that it is a problem in this community maybe beyond a few people. Anytime you begin passing laws that are unenforceable you give people a false sense of hope that they are protected when they are not," said Councilman Tom Smith.

According to Goldner, whether such discrimination happens often is not the issue.

"The issue is, is this the right thing to do? Are we a community that values all of our citizens and I think that's what the ordinance would go a long way toward saying we are," Goldner said.

Tuesday's City Council decision was not about passing the law but about whether the council would discuss it. Goldner knew going into the vote that the chance of that happening was low. She said some members' unwillingness to address the bill is upsetting.