ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. — The Atlantic Beach City Commission on Monday night voted 4-0 to approve a Human Rights Ordinance.
The measure will add explicit protections for residents based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression in employment, housing and public accommodation.
For more than two hours, more than 80 people spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting Monday night. Most of those in support told personal stories of discrimination. Those opposed said the legislation isn't necessary and opens up the opportunity for lawsuits against local businesses.
The measure passed 3-2 in a preliminary vote in July with Commissioners Jimmy Hill and Jonathan Daugherty opposed.
Commissioner Jimmy Hill did not attend the meeting Monday. Action News learned he was unable to return from a trip to south Florida due to car problems.
Daugherty tells Action News that Hill's absence prevented Hill from delivering information necessary for a fully informed decision.
"I voted in the affirmative to be on the prevailing side," explained Daugherty. "That way, according to our commission rules, at the next meeting I can bring it up for reconsideration and the commission can hear what Commissioner Hill has to say. Theoretically and philosophically I agree, but as legislators we have to lead with our heads and not our hearts. There haven't been any cases brought to us of discrimination in our city. There doesn't seem to be a problem. What this does is open up our small businesses to litigation. It also takes away the private property rights of many of our citizens."
Commissioner Maria Mark, who introduced the legislation called it a victory.
"I'm thrilled with the vote," she said."This is a great victory for our community, and this is a great moment for human rights and equality in Atlantic Beach. We want to send a message to the rest of the beaches communities and to Duval County."
Those opposed tell Action News they will now begin a petition process that could eventually lead to a repeal of the ordinance, or allow voters to decide.
WJAX
