JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville City Council heard the details of the new HRO bill for the first time at a Tuesday night meeting.
The bill is now four pages long, which is about 10 pages shorter than the 2015 version.
The proposal has caused a lot of controversy since city council members Aaron Bowman, Tommy Hazouri and Jim Love first introduced the bill.
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It’s a proposal to expand Jacksonville’s Human Rights Ordinance to include members of the LGBT community that would protect people from being discriminated against, based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, when it comes to employment, housing and public places.
“We’re trying to be as transparent as we always have been. It’s a different bill. It’s much smaller, and I hope it will pass. It really, exempts the churches and synagogues, and everyone affiliated with religious organization,” said Councilman Tommy Hazouri.
“I believe we’re all equal under the law, so there’s no reason, for this. I think we should just leave it like it is. There’s no reason to change the laws, or add another law,” said Judy Stevens, who is against HRO Jacksonville.
“My husband and I have two young boys, and we just want to make sure that this city is, the city where we can raise our children, with courage,” said Brent Vantice, HRO Jacksonville supporter.
Council will have another meeting on the bill on Jan. 24.
People are passing out these stickers at city council meeting. A lot of people are waiting for the HRO discussion. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/yYMYVuyLem
— Larry Spruill Jr (@LarryWDIVLocal4) January 10, 2017
Council is in recess.. over 100 people have signed up to speak on HRO discussion tonight. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/cTwQKcCTm7
— Larry Spruill Jr (@LarryWDIVLocal4) January 10, 2017
Council just asked people that are against HRO to stand. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/6bYv8YMtC0
— Larry Spruill Jr (@LarryWDIVLocal4) January 11, 2017
These are the people in support of HRO. It's a packed room. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/nGK39OBHkB
— Larry Spruill Jr (@LarryWDIVLocal4) January 11, 2017
This lady is for it. She says we just want to live our lives as well. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/fN6Nh7GXPg
— Larry Spruill Jr (@LarryWDIVLocal4) January 11, 2017
This guy is against it. Says the first line of the HRO is a lie. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/HbziH1ZVBd
— Larry Spruill Jr (@LarryWDIVLocal4) January 11, 2017
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