Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Task Force

Approved 3/4/2013 SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY TASK FORCE February 25, 2013 – 4:30 p.m. Public Safety Center, 330 W. Scott PRESENT: Judge Miles Sweeney – Chairman Lola Butcher, Randall Doennig, Rev. Steve Gardner, Dick Hardy, Dr. Ginger Holczer, Jeff Houghton, Rick McLain, Lynne Meyerkord, Rev. Michael Overton, Pam Sailors, Sarah Smith, David Trippe, Gary Whitaker Angela Filbeck – Alternate, Cindy Lear - Alternate CITY STAFF LIAISONS: Dan Wichmer – City Attorney, Cora Scott – Director of Public Information and Civic Engagement, Ann Razer – City Staff Coordinator for MCHRCR, Sharon Smith – City Manager’s Office ABSENT: Lorie Latimer, Robert Saylor __________________________________________________________________________ Chairman Judge Miles Sweeney introduced Mayor Bob Stephens for opening remarks and thanking them for their service. Judge Sweeney stated the Task Force has four directions to complete: 1) Gather information 2.) Summarize information. 3.) Identify options. 4.) Prioritize options. Labor Attorney Rick Temple presented Employment Discrimination Law and details of the process (Handout attached). Mr. Temple stated the protected classes at the Federal level include: race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability. Missouri adds adds ancestry. Springfield adds ancestry and creed (belief of religion). MCHRCR Chairperson Kelly Johnson reviewed the history and procedures of the Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights & Community Relations. Ms. Johnson reviewed several documents, including Chapter 62 of the Springfield City Code, Chapter 5 (Global Perspective and Diversity) of Field Guide 2030, and MCHRCR’s Strategic Plan 2010. She stated mediation and education is the primary goal of MCHRCR. City Attorney Dan Wichmer reviewed Council Bills 2012-226 and 2012-248. Both bills are similar, except Council Bill 2012-248 has changes in the religious exemptions. Both were tabled in August 2012. Judge Sweeney stated goals for the next meeting include identifying the topics to study, identifying the need, deciding on the structure, and determining how to approach the issue. He stated there are three areas for review: Employment – Public Accomodations – Housing. Next meeting set for Monday, March 4 at 4:30 p.m. Meeting was adjourned at 6:05 p.m.