The Chelsea City Council adopted a new non-discrimination ordinance on Jan. 19, by a vote of 4-1 with two council members absent from the meeting.
The ordinance is viewed as a way to make Chelsea a city that is welcoming to all people. Among the things this ordinance includes are definitions of familial status and gender expression and identity. It spells out specific exceptions and exemptions as well complaint procedures.
Prior to the vote, one people spoke against its passage.
Mayor Jason Lindauer voted against the ordinance and Council Members Jane Pacheco and Peter Feeney were not in attendance at the meeting.
Now that it’s been adopted by the City Council, the ordinance will go into effect 20 days after publication in a local newspaper.
For previous stories about this ordinance, please click here and here.
Too bad that you would have a Mayor voting against being a welcoming city. With a desire for growth and development, we shouldn’t be turning anyone away.
Perhaps the Mayor is aware that we already have laws in this country that prohibit discrimination. Perhaps he was opposed to wasting everyone’s time. This law is only necessary if for the 20 days until it takes effect it is legal to discriminate against the groups cite.
I am in total agreement with you Ellie. Chelsea has been one of the most welcoming and supportive communities I have ever experienced. Things are changing rapidly in this community. Some changes are great and other, like this one, are unnecessary and excessive.
Dustin, where on earth do you see “welcoming” as part of this ordinance, and how is it “turning anyone” away to vote against it? What will be gained by its passage? What would have been lost if it hadn’t passed? “Welcoming” is an attitude, not a law.