ROELAND PARK, Kan. — The City of Roeland Park, Kan., is looking at an ordinance that would ban discrimination against gays and lesbians. The proposal comes after a proposed bill in Kansas would have allowed businesses — citing religious reasons — to turn away people who are gay.
The proposed measure would add sexual orientation and gender identity to Roeland Park’s anti-discrimination ordinance. It would also create ways for people in the city to file complaints if they feel someone in the city has discriminated against them.
It was introduced by council members Megan England and Jennifer Gunby. The gay-rights advocacy group Equality Kansas helped craft the language for the proposal.
At Monday’s meeting it was open for public comment. About 10 people spoke in favor — many excited Roeland Park is trying to set a precedent of equality. Only two spoke against the measure — both those people said they don’t tolerate discrimination but that Roeland Park doesn’t have the means or the funds to pass such a measure.
The Kansas House passed a bill last month that would have offered protection to people who refused service to gays and lesbians based on religious beliefs. The measure failed in the Senate.
Roeland Park is now one of only a handful of cities in Kansas to introduce such a measure. If passed, the city would be one of only two to make it law. An April 21 vote is expected.
