MESA CITY COUNCIL QUIETLY CONSIDERING "NON-DISCRIMINATION ORDINANCE" LIKE PHOENIX AND TEMPE TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF LGBT COMMUNITY

Bartlett Bunker 6-17-15 

** Share this with people you know in Mesa and be sure to write Mayor Giles with your thoughts**   

Mayor Giles spoke at the Mesa Republican Women club  this month and said that Apple along with various economic development groups such as "Visit Mesa" are encouraging this legislation.  He stated that a study by ASU's Morrisson Institute found that 3 out of 4 people surveyed said they'd NOTexperienced discrimination in Mesa. Yet here we are, facing the potential of additional regulation and controversy. 

Many believe the city’s draft version doesn’t go far enough to protect religious freedoms and businesses. 

The city's Human Relations Board studied the issue and made 23 recommendations that all deal with Anti-Discrimination, with strong emphasis for the LGBT community. 

The report is the 'Mesa Speaks, Mesa Listens: Inclusion & Diversity Report' from Mesa's Human Relations Advisory Board, which was made public and provided to Mayor and Council for consideration fall 2014. This report can be accessed online at the following link:
http://mesaaz.gov/home/showdocument?id=7384 

More information about the board and the Diversity Office can also be found at this webpage: http://mesaaz.gov/residents/diversity-office 

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Article from AZ Republic: In cities and towns across the Valley, how to tackle discrimination — and whether municipalities should intervene at all — has become an increasingly hot-button issue.  In 2013, Phoenix expanded its anti-discrimination ordinance to include broad civil-rights protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender residents. Tempe followed suit when it approved its own sweeping anti-discrimination law in February 2014. Scottsdale and Glendale stopped short of implementing such laws, but signed "unity pledges" supporting equal treatment for the gay and transgender communities late last year.  

Now, Mesa has developed its own diversity-and-inclusion pledge.  

 Mesa diversity efforts pick up steam; more work needed | Mesa: diversity a priority after reports of discrimination 

Full AZ Republic article here: http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/mesa/2015/01/06/mesa-takes-step-toward-tackling-discrimination-diversity-inclusion-pledge/21328073/

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Tempe is dealing with a case right now. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/transgender-woman-denied-service-arizona-bar-article-1.2251000

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THERE ARE SOME ON THE MESA COUNCIL WHO "GET IT"

Councilman  Kevin Thompson has posted a clear, articulate letter outlining several concerns 
and has asked for a common sense solution.

And District 1 Councilman Dave Richins isn't sold either.

"I live in west Mesa, and diversity is something that we live every day. We view each other as neighbors and people and humans," he said. "If I'm going to pass a law, I want it to solve a real problem. You can't legislate against people's stupidity."

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The non-discrimination ordinance is actually still in draft form and has not yet been scheduled on a Council agenda.  Once finalized there will be multiple opportunities for public comment and review prior to Council action.  I will be sure to send it your way when it becomes final.  Be sure and share this information.  

Also, Mayor Giles welcomes dialog on this topic.  Please take a moment to write or call him at:

Mayor John Giles
480-644-2388
mayor@mesaaz.gov

** See attachment for contact list for mayor and all council members **