Nashville Metro government just passed a non-discrimination ordinance protecting its LGBT citizens from discrimination in local government.
LGB and T. Gender identity was included.
The last time an NDO was proposed, about five years ago, it was defeated through the efforts of conservative churches and a horrifying propaganda campaign. Even Fred Phelps showed up outside of Council chambers.
That bill was originally created to protect lesbians and gays from all forms of discrimination in Davidson County, but through the "compromises" asked for by opponents was eventually whittled down to include only Metro government. Then the penalties were whittled down.
Then, in an especially crass move, opponents said they wouldn't vote for it because it didn't have any teeth.
The tie vote went to the Vice Mayor, who had been on good terms with the LGBT community.
He voted against it. The bill was finished, and there would be political repercussions for those who voted for it, including a committee vote that left a proponent in tears. It's one thing to be a sore loser; it's worse to be a vindictive winner.
This time, it didn't work.
Most of those conservative Council members are no longer in office, and the Council has moved slightly to the left.
The bill passed on its third reading, quickly and without grandstanding.
Another bill had been presented by opponents outlawing discrimination on "non-merit" factors, but it didn't work to derail the original NDO. The old propaganda about needing extra bathrooms or people changing their gender identity every day didn't work this time.
The haters with their little "No" buttons showed up and packed the chamber, but had to simply sit there as the Council voted to treat its LGBT employees as equals. It only applies to Metro government employment right now, but this is a huge step for our city.
I hope someone else with inside info can diary about this. If/when that diary shows up, I'll link to it here.