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City councilmen plan to introduce non-discrimination resolution
Two Greencastle City Council members want to assure the city remains a welcoming place for one and all.
So when the City Council conducts its April meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, Council President Adam Cohen, a Democrat, and Fourth Ward Councilman Tyler Wade, a Republican, will introduce a non-discrimination resolution.
"The last few weeks have painted Indiana in a poor light," Council President Cohen said without directly referring to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) that created such a firestorm when it was passed by the Indiana Legislature last month. "I want to make sure, as best I can, that people know that Greencastle is a place that I hope welcomes everyone."
Wade, youngest and newest member of the City Council, echoed those sentiments.
"It's been hard to go anywhere these last few weeks without seeing Indiana painted in a negative light," he said. "Communities across this state have spoken out, and we wanted to join the chorus to let the world know Indiana is open for business for all.
"We felt it was vital to make a strong statement that Greencastle is open and inviting to everyone," Wade added.
Cohen and Wade expect that their fellow City Council members -- Jinsie Bingham, Mark Hammer and Phyllis Rokicki -- will agree when they introduce the resolution at the public meeting Tuesday.
"This is a first step," Cohen told the Banner Graphic. "We have been doing things behind the scenes at the city level but this resolution will continue to push us to do more and be more deliberate about it.
"Our goal is to pass this resolution showing where we stand," he added, "then back it up with real regulations. We, as a community, stand for inclusion. We welcome all productive citizens to live and visit this city."
The resolution directs the president of City Council -- which is Cohen -- to appoint a committee to work on bringing all city laws and policies in line with the non-discrimination statement.
"I have great confidence that the committee will be able to come up with meaningful proposals to change city code so we can put into practice the principles we preach," Wade told the Banner Graphic. "I look forward to reviewing these recommendations and putting them into city code."
The resolution reads as follows:
"Whereas, the City of Greencastle has made it a priority to welcome and promote diversity among its citizens, visitors and businesses; and
"Whereas, the city believes it is a fundamental right for all employees, residents and visitors to feel secure and welcome; and
"Whereas, the city feels the need to reaffirm its commitment to diversity and inclusion through laws and ordinances that protect individuals from discrimination; and
"Whereas, non-discriminatory legislation furthers a compelling governmental interest and is the least restrictive means of furthering that interest.
"Therefore, be it resolved that the Common Council of the City of Greencastle hereby:
"1. Adopts the philosophy, that all city offices and companies that do business with the city should not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age or United States military veteran status, except where these statuses are a bona fide qualification for employment or otherwise allowed by law.
"2. Charges that city policies and procedures be revised where applicable to reflect this philosophy.
"3. Directs the president of City Council to appoint a committee to work on bringing all city laws and policies in line with this statement."