Post submitted by Eva Kendrick, former HRC Alabama State Manager

On September 13, the Birmingham, Alabama, City Council passed a resolution setting a public hearing for Tuesday, September 26, on two pro-LGBTQ ordinances. One is a city contractor non-discrimination ordinance. The other is a full ordinance protecting citizens from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation.

HRC has called for both ordinances to be passed.

The proposed ordinances are the culmination of almost ten years of work from local LGBTQ grassroots organizers and a pro-equality coalition including Equality Alabama and HRC.

Should the full non-discrimination ordinance pass, Birmingham’s citizens will be the first in the state to be protected from discrimination in housing, public accommodation and employment on the basis of real or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or familial status. The ordinance would also provide for the creation of a Birmingham Human Rights Commission to “promote principles of diversity, inclusion, and harmony in the City of Birmingham,” to advise the city council and mayor and to receive complaints of discrimination relative to the ordinance.
HRC and our coalition partners are asking supporters of these ordinances to join us for our “Show Up & Speak Out for Fairness” event at Birmingham City Hall at 9 am on September 26.

If you would like to speak in support of the ordinance during the public hearing, please sign up today.

HRC and our partners are looking forward to packing the chambers and hallways of City Hall on September 26 to show our support for a fairer Birmingham for all. Join us!