MANHATTAN, Kansas, May 10, 2011 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Just three months after a city in Kansas enacted a policy to give special privileges and protection to individuals based on sexual “orientation,” Manhattan city commissioners have voted to repeal the gender identity policy.
The controversial Gender Identity Ordinance, passed by a previous Manhattan City Commission in February, added “gender identity” and “sexual orientation” to discrimination statutes and created a local process through the Human Rights and Services Board (HRSB) to enforce the ordinance. It applied to areas of employment, housing, and public accommodation.
The new City Commission, recently elected, lost no time in addressing the issue, which was repealed in a 3-2 vote last week in the first of two readings.
“It was the broadest homosexual ordinance in the entire nation,” said Donna Lippoldt, director of the Kansas Family Policy Council. “It totally violated religious liberties and rights of conscience.
“It was a real victory to see pastors and community leaders in Manhattan and all across the state stand up for righteousness and at the same time, be received by the LGBT community in a loving way.”
The second hearing on the repeal will likely take place later this month. The three commissioners who voted to revoke the ordinance are committed to repealing the ordinance, which is likely to pass.