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First reading of HRO passes 3-2 in Atlantic Beach

ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. — The Atlantic Beach City Commission voted 3-2 on the first reading of its proposed Human Rights Ordinance.

The second reading of the HRO will take place on July 28, and again on Aug. 11.

The proposed ordinance would protect people from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. It would also apply to employment, housing and public accommodations.

The commission has been working on the ordinance since January, those for and against it have spoken and opinions have changed, said Atlantic Beach Mayor Carolyn Woods.

"It's democracy at work," said Woods. "Life is ever-changing and our rules and law are changing also."