Gay rights group speaks at South Bend Common Council meeting

5-4 vote against amendments made two weeks ago

JAMIE LOO, Tribune Staff Writer
7/25/06

SOUTH BEND -- Rhonda Redman told the Common Council that she would like to see discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people end in South Bend.

But since the council voted down a proposal to include sexual orientation and gender identity in the human rights ordinance, Redman, a member of South Bend Equality, said she will have to keep fighting for her rights.

South Bend Equality sponsored the proposal that would've prohibited discrimination against GLBT people in employment, housing, education and public accommodations in the city. The council voted against the amendments 5-4 on July 10.

Members of the group spoke during the council's privilege of the floor Monday night. South Bend Equality says it plans on continuing to bring stories of discrimination to the council since they have nowhere else to go. About 20 people were at the meeting, wearing South Bend Equality pins and stickers that said "Still Not Protected."

Mishawaka resident David Carter, who owns property in South Bend, said the council's decision on this issue is "egregious." Discrimination against gays in employment, housing and education is still happening as well as gay bashing in the city. Carter said he has a friend in South Bend who was severely beaten for being gay.

"Council members (Charlotte) Pfeifer, (Roland) Kelly, (Ann) Puzzello and (Al) Kirsits, your vote was just, proper and the right thing to do. I leave you with two words: Thank you," Carter said. "Council members (Derek) Dieter, (David) Varner, (Erv) Kuspa, (Timothy) Rouse and (Karen) White, no matter how you try to explain your vote, the fact is you voted in favor of wrongful discrimination against gay people.

"You have sent a message that it's OK to discriminate and sent a signal that it's OK to assault gay people. I leave you with three words: Shame on you."

Council President Rouse, D-at large, answered Carter's strong words immediately after Carter left the lectern.

"We need to make it clear that this body will not stand for personal attacks against anyone sitting here," Rouse said. "If that's what you intend to do, you need to cease and desist."

"It's not an attack, this is fact," Carter said from his seat.

Robert Holmer said when he discussed his support for the ordinance at his workplace, Wal-Mart, one of his co-workers became uncomfortable. The employee reported him to a manager and said Holmer seemed to have "gay tendencies." Holmer, who is heterosexual, said Wal-Mart protects employees from sexual orientation discrimination. But if he worked anywhere else in the city, Holmer said he could've lost his job because of his co-worker's complaint.

Redman thanked all of the council members for their hard work on the issue, particularly Pfeifer and Kelly for sponsoring the ordinance. As a child, her mother taught her that "anything that is worthwhile is worth fighting for," she said.

Redman said it's sad gays have to fight for the right to be treated fairly.

"But I would add too that if it takes a fight, then that's what my mom taught me to do. And that's what I will have to continue to do. So thank you, all of you, for all your hard work. I'd like to tell you that it's over," she said "But I'm afraid I don't think it is yet."

"Is there another (speaker)," Rouse asked looking into the audience in council chambers.

The question was met with silence, then Rouse slamming the gavel.
"Council is adjourned," he said.