August 30, 2007

Help Prevent Discrimination against LGBT individuals in St. Louis County!

The St Louis County Council will vote on Tuesday, Sept 11th on an ordinance which would add sexual orientation/identity protections to their nondiscrimination policy in the areas of housing, public accomodations and employment.  Under current law, it is legal in St. Louis County to discriminate against LGBT individuals based on their sexual orientation.  That means people can legally be fired, denied housing, and prevented from accessing public services simply because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.

Here is what you can do:

1. (St. Louis County residents) Call County Council members, as well as County Executive Charlie Dooley, and urge them to support the ordinance.  You can say, “I am a St. Louis County resident and I urge you to add sexual orientation to the County’s nondiscrimination policy.”
   
   People to call:
   County Executive Charlie Dooley   314-615-5000
   
   County Council Members:
   Council President Mike O’Mara (D)    314-837-2713
   Council member Hazel Erby (D)     314-997-0692
   Council member Kathy Burkett (D)     314-615-5437
   Colleen Wasinger (R)      314-989-9838
   
   Barb Fraser, Council member from District 5, is the sponsor of this bill.  You can call her to thank her at 314-615-5441.
   
   
2. Attend the County Council meeting on Tuesday, September 4, at 6 pm at 41 S. Central in Clayton (2nd floor).  Consider speaking briefly in support of the ordinance at the beginning of the meeting.
   
   
3. Ask other St. Louis County residents, business owners, and employers to call and express their support.