Explanation
BACKGROUND
This resolution directs all officers and staff of the City of Columbus not to travel to the State of North Carolina for non-essential purposes.
In late March 2016, North Carolina passed a law which City Council believes to be inconsistent with the values and principals of the City of Columbus as they infringe of the rights and dignity of the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender communities
Emergency action is requested in order to immediately bring City policy in line the intent of the ordinance, thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare.
Title
To ban all non-essential travel by City employees or officers to the State of North Carolina, and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, on March 23, 2016, the State of North Carolina enacted the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, which prohibits cities and other localities in North Carolina from passing anti-discrimination ordinances that protect lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) community; and
WHEREAS, ensuring individuals are free from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is a compelling government interest and an important value in the City of Columbus; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus is committed to equality for all people; and
WHEREAS, the policies of the City of Columbus ought to reflect the values of inclusiveness and equal treatment for all; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus commends and lauds the efforts of the Council of the City of Charlotte in the State of North Carolina for its efforts in passing municipal law allowing transgender people to choose public bathrooms that correspond to their gender identity; and
WHEREAS, in respect to the values of inclusiveness and equal treatment, Columbus City Council has determined it necessary to deny approval for any non-essential travel to the State of North Carolina;
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of City Council, in that it is...
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