January 17, 2003: Friends for Equality in Metro Nashville Area - calls this weekend needed to support anti-discrimination amendment

NASHVILLE METRO CITY COUNCIL SLATED FOR FINAL VOTE ON TUESDAY 1/21 CANDLELIGHT VIGIL ON COURTHOUSE STEPS CALLED FOR 5:30PM PHONE CALLS NEEDED THIS WEEKEND

Dear Friends,

On Tuesday, January 21 at 7:00 pm, the Nashville Metro City Council is expected to hear amendments and cast its final vote to amend the city’s Human Rights Ordinance to include “sexual orientation.” The measure would prohibit discrimination in employment and housing, and a proposed amendment offered by the bill's sponsor would specifically exempt religious groups.

United by the quest for equality, a candlelight vigil will take place on the courthouse steps at Union and 3rd in Nashville Tuesday, January 21, 2003, before the Metro Nashville City Council Meeting. Please make plans to bring a candle and join your community in this peaceful demonstration.

Rev. Fred Phelps from Kansas, well known for his hateful protests against equality, has pledged to come to Nashville for this vote.

Due to the barrage of phone calls, emails and letters from those opposing the measure, the following City Council Representatives are undecided on the ordinance and need to hear from you, regardless of district, by telephone. You can also reach all members of the Council at http://nashville.gov/council.

(District 23)
Bob Bogen

(District 1)
Brenda Gilmore

(District 17)
Ronnie Greer

(District 20)
Morris B. Haddox

(District 29)
Saletta Holloway

(District 19)
Ludye Wallace

(District 21)
Edward Whitmore

All City Council Representatives need to be encouraged to support the adoption of the amendment and the ordinance bill. Please copy your letters of support to Mayor Bill Purcell and Vice-Mayor Howard Gentry. If the religious amendment to the bill is not adopted on January 21, 2003 we will be seeing the vote deferred to February 17th, 2003.

Thank you for taking this action for equality, and please forward to your friends and family in Tennessee.

Many thanks,
Hedy Weinberg, Excecutive Director