Kissimmee – The Osceola County Commission is taking a step toward implementing a Human Rights Ordinance.
There’s a public hearing on the HRO set for 1:30 p.m. Aug. 17 at commission chambers in Kissimmee.
The ordinance would add protections for sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression to the county’s existing discrimination ordinance.
“[The HRO] relates to employment, housing and public accommodations,” said Commissioner Cheryl Grieb, who introduced the ordinance alongside Commissioner Viviana Janer.
Grieb says the HRO is an effort o be more inclusive, especially when trying to attract businesses to Osceola County.
“We know when businesses are looking to relocate to an area, a checkbox is quality of life,” she says. “I think that opens additional doors for us and shows that we are an inclusive community and a welcoming community.”
Grieb says the ordinance is worded to be countywide and to allow someone who feels they are discriminated against based on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression to take it to the courts. She adds that Commissioner Fred Hawkins, the only Republican sitting on the commission, made the motion to advertise and said it’s “sad” the HRO is even needed.
“This should be a human rights issue, not a partisan issue,” Grieb says. “Based on last meeting, I wouldn’t be surprised if [the HRO] passes unanimously.”
She says she’s been interested in implementing an HRO “for a while” and it was mentioned at the Commission’s strategic planning meeting but didn’t make their list of top goals. However, Grieb says strong commissioner support advanced the ordinance anyway.
