Atlantic Beach, Fla. – The Atlantic Beach City Commission took a step toward creating a Human Rights Ordinance (HRO) at a meeting on Nov. 25, where commissioners decided to have city staff write language for the policy.
If approved, the HRO would protect LGBTs against discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations by preventing discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual identity and gender identity.
About 200 people packed the City Hall at the initial meeting. Approximately 60 people spoke about the ordinance, with only three of those people speaking out against the HRO.
Commissioner Maria Mark proposed the ordinance, after working with the Jacksonville Coalition for Equality. After a tough battle, Jacksonville’s city council voted down a HRO in 2012. Atlantic Beach is located about 15 miles away from Jacksonville.
The next step for the measure is the city council’s regular meeting Dec. 9, where the HRO will appear on the agenda for a public hearing and first vote. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at the City Commission Chambers, 800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, Fla. As usual, supporters are asked to show up wearing red.
