NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — City council members are expected to consider a resolution at Tuesday's meeting that condemns discrimination in areas including housing, employment, and public accommodations based on a number of characteristics, including gender identity or expression and sexual orientation.
- Resolution based on one previously adopted in Gulfport
- Would guarantee members of the LGBTQ community equal rights
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“The resolution’s beautifully written, and I believe they really have our protections and our values at heart. They believe in equality,” said Pasco Pride President Nina Borders.
“We already have statements that the city does not discriminate in employment or in the provision of services on a basis of any number of things. We’re just clarifying that that includes gender identity,” said Mayor Rob Marlowe. “Whoever they are, it just doesn’t matter. If they’re willing to work within the rules, they’re welcome here.”
Borders and other advocates began encouraging the council last year to pass a law that would guarantee members of the LGBTQ community equal rights. The suggested model was an ordinance adopted by the city of Gulfport that already had a connection to New Port Richey – it was drafted by the city attorney. That law set up a way to investigate complaints and take action when necessary.
“We took a look at it, and it just seemed like it was overkill for New Port Richey,” said Marlowe. “We haven’t had any problems, and it just didn’t make sense to go out and create a whole mechanism for trying to deal with human rights complaints when there just haven’t been any.”
“Why would somebody complain if there’s no protections?” asked Borders. “I truly believe and know that it’s needed here. As far as trying to figure out who’s been discriminated against and things like that, that’s what they’re asking for. They’re essentially saying, ‘Find me somebody or somebody needs to be discriminated against to have these protections,’ and I think that’s kind of the wrong thing. How many people need to suffer in order for action?”
While the ordinance does state that “the city shall direct its efforts and resources toward eliminating discriminatory practices within the city in the areas of housing, employment and public accommodations where they exist," Florida Trans Proud Founder and President Denise Johnson said she was disappointed the council decided to pursue a resolution, which she said sounds good but has no teeth. Johnson pointed out other governments within Tampa Bay, including the city of Tampa and Hillsborough County, already have laws like the one supporters hoped New Port Richey would pass.
“It’s a start. It’s a stepping stone,” Borders said of the resolution. “It’s not going to stop us. We truly believe in an ordinance and we truly believe Pasco County as a whole needs that ordinance,” said Borders.
Both Borders and Johnson said they plan to continue to push for local governments to pass human rights ordinances.