Human Rights Ordinance Hearing-St Joe County

The ordinance has been tabled and will not be on the agenda this month. There is, however, a time called “privilege of the floor” where anyone can speak up to three minutes about something not on the agenda. We are still encouraging people to show up to the meeting and voice their support of the ordinance. Wear green and we will be passing out heart stickers! See comments below for more information! --------- We have the power to protect people from discrimination in our county. Those who are worried about the increase in discrimination should come support the Human Rights Ordinance being considered by the St Joseph County Council. Saint Joseph County legislators intend to enact protections against discrimination that will be effective countywide. The Human Rights Ordinance prohibits discrimination--in the work place, school, housing, and in public accommodations--on the basis of race, color, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation and gender identity. These protections do not exist countywide at this time. In 2012, the South Bend City Council passed an inclusive Human Rights Ordinance and we need those in the county to have the same rights. You are welcome to speak to our County Council, but know simply being there is also powerful. You get three minutes, so it may be a good idea to write and time your speech before the meeting. You can give copies of your speech to the council. You will be asked to say your name and home address before speaking. The current format is one person for the amendment will speak, one person against. We hope everyone will get a chance to talk. Stay relevant to the specific topic at hand and please try not to repeat one another. Wear green to show solidarity, regardless of whether or not you want to speak. Bring your stories, rebuttals, and friends. Come to make your voice heard. This ordinance will change and save lives. Local politics matter.