Editorial Of The Day

From the editorial board of Montana's Billings Gazette:

Is it OK for a good worker to be fired because her employer learned she is lesbian? Is it right for a landlord to refuse to rent to otherwise qualified tenants because they are gay? Should local businesses be allowed to refuse service to people because they appear to be transgender? The answers are: No, no, no! Yet these questions are at the heart of debate on the non-discrimination ordinance up for consideration at the end of Monday’s Billings City Council agenda. And several council members have, so far, refused to take a stand against discrimination. The non-discrimination ordinance is about equal protection under the law. It would recognize that LGBT folks should have the same rights to live and work in Billings as everybody else does.

Everybody benefits with the NDO. Billings will be known as a safer, more welcoming city embracing the diversity that attracts new businesses and families. The LGBT minority will be assured that city law protects them the same as it protects all residents and visitors. People who believe LGBT people are wrong or sinful will continue to be free to think and pray whatever they want. However, no one will be able to discriminate in business transactions, hiring or housing. We ask all 11 council members to open their minds and hearts. If you can’t vote for the NDO out of compassion and concern for your LGBT constituents, vote for it because it will be good for business.

(Tipped by JMG reader Torger)