Reported By Cara Kumari
NASHVILLE, Tenn.
About a month ago, Metro Council passed an ordinance that would require companies doing business with the city to include sexual orientation in their nondiscrimination clauses. That ordinance appears to be short-lived after a vote at the Capitol on Thursday.
Video: Nondiscrimination Ordinance Overturned By Senate
"It's disappointing for our state, our reputation our image," said Councilman Jamie Hollin.
With this vote, the state Senate voted to overturn Metro's contractor nondiscrimination ordinance saying nondiscrimination policies should be uniform from community to community.
"When it comes to nondiscrimination practices, we should be consistent across the state," said Sen. Jack Johnson.
Opponents have called the Legislature's plan anti-gay, and some have said it's unfair to barge in on decisions made by local governments.
"I really hate to think that those persons who come from everywhere else would take on a dictator attitude toward the council members," said Sen. Thelma Harper.
Hollin called it a sad day, but he said seeing teenagers protesting another gay rights bill outside the Capitol gives him hope for a better tomorrow.
"It gives me hope in the future that 20 years from now, this won't even be relevant," said Hollin.
The Senate made a minor change to the bill, so it has to go back to the House for approval. Then it will head to the governor's desk. Gov. Bill Haslam has indicated he supports it.
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