City adds sexual orientation as protected class

LIMA — Finishing what cropped up in the city’s review of its charter, City Council approved Monday an anti-discrimination ordinance that includes sexual orientation.

“I think this is exactly the right thing to do,” said Councilman Tom Tebben. “In a perfect world, this legislation wouldn’t be necessary, but it isn’t a perfect world.”

Tebben said during the charter review process that there was no provision that included sexual orientation as a protected class. Initially, an addition was going to be included in the charter changes, which were put before voters in November. But in June the council decided to take up the issue as an ordinance instead.

It passed by an 8-0 vote.

In addition to sexual orientation, the ordinance prohibits the city from favoring or discriminating against employees or potential employees because of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, military status, national origin, disability, age, or ancestry.

Tebben said he was glad to see government catching up to what has been done in the corporate world for quite some time.

Brett Shingledecker, who has been a vocal proponent of the changes, said he was pleased with the outcome.

“This is a big step in the right direction and a proactive and inclusive measure that will serve the city and its employees well,” he said.