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Social Action - City of Plano Equal Rights Ordinance
On December 8, 2014, the Plano City Council updated the City's Non-Discrimination Ordinance to include additional groups of people as deserving protection against discrimination in public accommodations, housing, employment, city contracting and from unlawful intimidation, retaliation and coercion in the city of Plano. From the ordinance:
"Public Policy Declaration. It is hereby declared to be the public policy of the City of Plano, Texas that all persons subject to its jurisdiction should enjoy equal human rights and that discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, familial status or United States military/veteran status, is detrimental to the peace, progress and welfare of the city."
The ordinance provides for exemptions for 1) religious, political, non-profit and private club organizations, 2) educational institutions, 3) U.S. and Texas governmental bodies and 4) employers of less than 15 employees. It also provides for 1) gender-specific restrooms, locker rooms, dressing rooms, etc., 2) a waiver provision and process and 3) complaint, investigation and conciliation processes.
To see the full text of the Plano Equal Rights Ordinance, follow link to "Ordinance No. 2014-12-7" in the Plano Municipal Code & Ordinances, December 2014.
Also, more information can be found on the City of Plano's Equal Rights Ordinance page (including FAQ's) at: www.Plano.gov/ERO.
Plano Citizens United (www.planoequalrights.com) is a group that was formed to oppose the ordinance. They have submitted over 7,000 signatures on a petition to rescind the current Plano Equal Rights Ordinance. The validity of the signatures are currently being certified by the City of Plano. If at least 3,822 signatures are validated, the City Council will decide to either accept or reject the petition. If accepted, the council will then either 1) place the issue on the May election ballot or 2) rescind the current Equal Rights Ordinance.
The Plano City Council is scheduled to formally certify the petition signatures and possibly take other actions at their regular meeting, Monday evening, February 23rd beginning at 7:00 pm at Plano City Hall.
Name | Title | Email |
Harry LaRosiliere | Mayor |
mayor@plano.gov |
Lissa Smith | Mayor Pro Tem - Place 4 | lissasmith@plano.gov |
Ben Harris | Deputy Mayor Pro Tem - Place 2 | benharris@plano.gov |
Pat Miner | Council Member, Place 1 | patminer@plano.gov |
Andre' Davidson | Council Member, Place 3 | adavidson@plano.gov |
Jim Duggan | Council Member, Place 5 | jimduggan@plano.gov |
Pat Gallagher | Council Member, Place 7 | patgallagher@plano.gov |
David Downs | Council Member, Place 8 | daviddowns@plano.gov |
If the issue is approved by City Council put on the ballot, a PAC will be formed by supporters of the Equal Right Ordinance. There will be opportunities to volunteer your time and resources as the process progresses. Look to future Community Church communications or website for information updates.
To get the latest updates on this important issue or for more information email our Social Action Committee at: uusinaction@communityuuchurch.org