Non-Discrimination Ordiances
Several northern Johnson County cities are giving serious considerations to non-discrimination ordinances protecting the LGBT community, using the model from Roeland Park as well as Manhattan, KS, Lawrence and Wyandotte County. Mid-America GLCC’s Policy & Advocacy Committee, under the leadership of Jeff Harris and Abbey Logan, along with executive board committee and staff are spearheading efforts for the passage of NDO’s in Prairie Village, Merriam, Mission and Overland Park. Representatives of the chamber have been meeting with various city mayors, councilpersons and municipal staff over the past several weeks to educate and answer questions or concerns by those considering passing NDO’s in their respective cities.
While the federal government and many states have not enacted fully-comprehensive express protections for LGBT people, municipalities are leading the way by acting expeditiously to fill the void. Mid-America GLCC leadership believes that protecting all residents – including the LGBT community – is not only the right thing to do but the smart thing as well. Cities that enact LGBT-inclusive laws attract top talent and businesses that employ them. Passage of local NDO’s are good for business.
The City of Prairie Village will be taking up the issue again at their November 19th regular council meeting. Mid-America GLCC residents and business owners in Prairie Village are encouraged to attend the meeting or contact their city councilperson and let them know you stand in support of passage of the non-discrimination ordinance.