In Memphis: City Council approves Nondiscrimination Ordinance

My Homestate is trying to get there.

In Memphis, the City Council voted 9 to 4 to approve an amendment adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the city's workplace protections.

Here's more:

The language of the amendment had been previously approved to add "sexual orientation," but there was some confusion over whether or not such an amendment would violate the city's charter. At that time, city attorney Herman Morris said he believed the amendment would violate the charter, claiming a referendum may be required. But after further research, Morris changed his opinion. However, city council attorney Allan Wade stuck by his original opinion that passing the amendment violates the city charter. 

But Wade's opinion did not dissaude the council members who originally voted to add "sexual orientation." It also didn't prevent councilmen Harold Collins from changing his votes to "yes" this time around. Collins said he'd consulted with faith leaders and decided not to let his religious beliefs affect the way he voted on legislation.
Councilman Reid Hedgepeth, a conservative who voted in favor of the ordinance last time, told the audience that harassment and robo-calls from the amendment's opposition had only strengthened his resolve to vote in favor of the amendment again.

This is good stuff

source

Former Police Officer gets 2 years in Prison for beating a Transgender Woman

Ex cop Bridges McRae was given two years in prison beating transgendered woman Duana Johnson. He also got in trouble for tax evasion as well.

Bridges McRae was convicted of violating the rights of Duana Johnson while the transgender woman awaited booking on charges of prostitution. McRae admitted to unjustifiably striking her numerous times at the Criminal Justice Complex.

McRae also pled guilty to tax evasion, admitting that he claimed 99 dependents on his W-4 form to keep the City of Memphis from withholding federal taxes and then intentionally not filing a tax return.

Duana was murdered after this incident. Her death remains unsolved. More on her story here

source

Memphis City Council failed to Pass an ordinance to ban discrimination against Gays

After the 2nd attempt, Memphis City Council failed to pass an ordinance to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation by the city against employees.

Here's more:

The ordinance failed to gain the seven votes needed for approval on the Memphis City Council's consent agenda. 

If the minutes from Tuesday's vote are approved at the next council meeting, council rules prohibit the ordinance -- or one that is substantially similar -- from being heard for six months. 

Even though the ordinance failed, a study of discrimination in city government, including sexual orientation, will continue. 

"It's not dead," said Councilman Shea Flinn, who sponsored the ordinance and resolution. "We're still conducting the study and after six months, it will be back up for grabs." 

Flinn, Janis Fullilove, Edmund Ford Jr., Jim Strickland, Wanda Halbert and Myron Lowery voted to approve the ordinance on second reading. 

Council members Bill Boyd, Reid Hedgepeth and and Kemp Conrad voted against approval. Council members Joe Brown, Harold Collins and Bill Morrison did not vote. Councilwoman Barbara Swearengen Ware has been suspended from her seat after her felony indictment on a charge of official misconduct. 

Carolyn Witcover, who attended the council meeting in support of the ordinance, said the failure to approve the ordinance will harm the city's image, sending a message of "intolerance" to the world.
"It's their attempt to keep Memphis the old backwater it is," Witcover said. 

The ordinance has sparked heated debate since being introduced at City Hall. 

Some religious leaders have said they're in favor of the issue. Others, such as the Family Action Council of Tennessee, a faith-based organization that promotes the "traditional family," have opposed it. 

This is silly of Memphis, it needs to move forward and catch up with other major cities. The good news is, it will be back on the table in 6 months


source

WATCH Michael Hildebrand fight for the LGBT Anti-Discrimination Ordinance in Memphis

This man is a true trooper

In Memphis: Councilwoman Janis Fullilove is getting Death Threats for Supporting Gay Rights

This is unacceptable, for realz!

Stay strong, Janis!!

Justice for Duanna Johnson begins

About 2 years ago, Duanna Johnson, a transwoman suffered a severe beating by a Memphis police officer, Bridges McRae. Once she reported the abuse, she was killed. Duanna was found dead from an assassination style gun shot wound to the head. The murder is considered unrelated.

But Bridges finally went on trial yesterday for her beating. To give more insight to the issue, here's a video, including the beating (may be tough to watch)



Bridges is charged with violating Duanna Johnson's civil rights.

more info here

Haters defaced Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center's National Coming Out Day Billboard

My friend in Memphis (just 2 hours from my hometown) just told me about this foolishness.

Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center launched a National Coming Out Day billboard campaign.

Within days, one of them was defaced. An investigation will happen and Heidi Cranford Williams from the MGLCC had this to say:

We choose not to be stopped by fear; instead, our community unites in solidarity and the knowledge that we too deserve equality.

Although we are saddened by yesterday’s hateful expression of intolerance, we are proud of the local Memphian that chose to be the face on the billboard. He eagerly served our country and was forced out of the military under the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) policy. The billboard featured him as a proud marine and displayed his brave message “I’m gay and I protected your freedom.” This bravery was met with disrespect.

We are gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender and we are proud. We will continue to champion the messages that the billboards were purchased to convey:

We want the Mid-South to know about MGLCC and the many life-saving programs we offer.

• We want to show our neighbors that we are an integral part of the community, of schools, of businesses, of churches and of families.
• We want to encourage our gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual brothers and sisters to come out whenever possible. Coming out is an act of courage, of power and of freedom.
• We want to show that we are unafraid and unashamed to be honest about ourselves.

MGLCC is planning a unity rally to take place next weekend to show Memphis that in the face of discrimination we can peacefully unite with a message of strength, love and hope. We have formally requested that the Memphis Police Department open an investigation into the destruction of the billboard.

Stay strong, y'all. Hopefully, the cowards will be caught

source