The Atlantic Beach City Commission is set to have its second and final reading for a proposed HRO. The human rights ordinance would ban discrimination against people based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation and gender identity or gender expression within the city limits.
Introduced by Commissioner Maria Mark, it passed the first reading July 14 with a 3-2 vote. Commissioners Jimmy Hill and Jonathan Daughtery voted in opposition, both stating it would allow for businesses to be targets of lawsuits.
The HRO states there will be an exemption for religious organizations or smaller business, although both commissioners also find this measure unnecessary.
If it passes the Aug. 11 reading, the HRO will be officially adopted.
