Today in Wheeling History: December 20--Wheeling City Council passed a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) non-discrimination ordinance (2016).
On December 20, 2016, the Wheeling City Council unanimously passed an LGBT non-discrimination ordinance, making Wheeling the 11th city in West Virginia to adopt such protections. The ordinance was designed to safeguard the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals in housing, employment, and public accommodations. The council's decision followed months of discussions and a well-attended public hearing at Wheeling Park's White Palace, where around 350 people listened to 50 speakers present their views. The ordinance includes exemptions for religious institutions and employers with fewer than 12 employees. It also empowers the city's Human Rights Commission to issue cease-and-desist orders in response to complaints if attempts at conciliation fail, with the ability to seek court enforcement if necessary. Vice Mayor Chad Thalman and 5th Ward Councilman Ty Thorngate expressed pride in the council's decision, while 4th Ward Councilwoman Wendy Scatterday highlighted the importance of serving all citizens, regardless of personal beliefs. The passage of this ordinance marked a significant step forward for LGBT rights in Wheeling, reflecting the city's commitment to equality and inclusion. Despite some opposition, the ordinance was seen as a necessary measure to protect the rights and dignity of all residents.
To learn more: West Virginia Public Broadcasting (https://tinyurl.com/56mzs25a), Wheeling Intelligencer (https://shorturl.at/oeOOa), WOUB (https://shorturl.at/mF1wS), Wikipedia (https://shorturl.at/MyAPG)
Photo credits: City of Wheeling
On December 20, 2016, the Wheeling City Council unanimously passed an LGBT non-discrimination ordinance, making Wheeling the 11th city in West Virginia to adopt such protections. The ordinance was designed to safeguard the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals in housing, employment, and public accommodations. The council's decision followed months of discussions and a well-attended public hearing at Wheeling Park's White Palace, where around 350 people listened to 50 speakers present their views. The ordinance includes exemptions for religious institutions and employers with fewer than 12 employees. It also empowers the city's Human Rights Commission to issue cease-and-desist orders in response to complaints if attempts at conciliation fail, with the ability to seek court enforcement if necessary. Vice Mayor Chad Thalman and 5th Ward Councilman Ty Thorngate expressed pride in the council's decision, while 4th Ward Councilwoman Wendy Scatterday highlighted the importance of serving all citizens, regardless of personal beliefs. The passage of this ordinance marked a significant step forward for LGBT rights in Wheeling, reflecting the city's commitment to equality and inclusion. Despite some opposition, the ordinance was seen as a necessary measure to protect the rights and dignity of all residents.
To learn more: West Virginia Public Broadcasting (https://tinyurl.com/56mzs25a), Wheeling Intelligencer (https://shorturl.at/oeOOa), WOUB (https://shorturl.at/mF1wS), Wikipedia (https://shorturl.at/MyAPG)
Photo credits: City of Wheeling
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