SALINA, Kansas -- Salina city leaders are waiting to hear public input before they make a decision on a proposal to expand it's anti-discrimination policy.
The proposed amendment would include the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender community, and brought out large crowds to a city commission meeting Monday.
"We stand here because there is a time and place for a small group of citizens to stand up and say 'no more'," said Claudette Almaraz, who supports the proposal. "This is that time, you are that small group of citizens that can change this community."
Other Salina residents are concerned about what such a decision could mean.
"The effects of this bill are not minimal," said Robert Noland. "This opens up a large legal loophole for business owners and institutions in your city."
Salina's current anti-discrimination laws for the workplace and housing mirror federal laws, meaning residents are protected from discrimination on the basis of race, sex, disability, religion, age, color, national origin or ancestry.
Some say now is the time to include gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgender Salina residents in the law.
"We have had situations like that regards to employment and we can do nothing for them," said Gina McDonald, Executive Director of Human Relations Department. "We can't send them to a state level because there are no protections at the state level."
The city decided Monday to hold public forums before taking any action.
"It wouldn't be much different than the laws we have now. Just a different characteristic on the book," McDonald said.
But, she notes the emotions on both sides of the issue will be strong.
"I just don't think we need any specialized groups showing partiality to one or the other," said Carol Reed, Salina resident.
"We want Salina to be a leader in the state and in the country," said Janice Norlin, Salina resident. "Passing the proposed amendment is the right thing to do."
Lawrence is the only city in the state to have anti-discrimination laws protecting the LGBT community.
