Supporters, opponents voice their opinion as expansion of Jacksonville's HRO becomes law

The Jacksonville City Council voted to expand the Human Rights Ordinance on Tuesday.

The bill, sponsored by Council Members Aaron Bowman, Tommy Hazouri and Jim Love, added the words sexual orientation and gender identity to the existing HRO which prohibits discrimination for public accommodations, employment and housing.

The measure passed 12-6. Once the vote finished, there was strong reaction from both sides.

There were opponents to the HRO walking around the outside of City Hall and supporters of the HRO expansion gathered in Hemming Park as they closely followed the events happening inside City Hall.

The scene was one of celebration moments after the council passed the expansion of the ordinance.

Regina Jackson, a Jacksonville pastor and HRO expansion supporter, said, “it just goes to show all of our hard work paid off.”

“It’s a great thing!” said Adam Arendell, a supporter of the expansion.

But as people cheered, there were also many disappointed with the vote.

“My heart was broken,” said Viviane Mau, who was against the expansion of the ordinance.

“It saddens me,” said Carter Jones, who opposed the expansion of the HRO.

The expansion includes protections for members of the city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

“Jacksonville is a wonderful community and we’re wonderful and diverse community,” said Jimmy Midyette, with the Jacksonville Coalition for Equality.

“We pay taxes the same as everybody else as so we should be afforded the same opportunities,” Jackson said.

The HRO bill drew strong feelings from people on both sides of the issue. On Tuesday, before the vote, some opponents marched outside City Hall.

“It’s not good the way they are going. It’s not good for our children. It’s not good for our family,” Mau said.

Late Tuesday evening, supporters danced and celebrated. The HRO had passed as many still had an opinion on the issue.

“Finally, the city deserves it, these people deserve it,” Arendell said.

“Jacksonville, this is not the end and the Christians in Jacksonville need to get off their lazy duffs and get busy. This is the battle, just begun,” Stephanie Green, an HRO expansion opponent, said

“I was really excited, especially on this day, it’s Valentine’s Day and love wins,” Jackson said.

Cox Media Group