Group backs protection for gays

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/article/20101025/NEWS01/710269982/0#group-backs-protection-for-gays

Published Monday October 25, 2010

By Maggie O'Brien

Greater Omaha Young Professionals said Monday that it supports City Councilman Ben Gray's proposal to give more legal protections to gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people.

The group's board of directors passed a resolution last week in favor of Gray's measure, which is up for a council vote Tuesday. The group is affiliated with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce.

“Our mission compels us to advocate for this amendment as part of bridging the gap between what our fellow young professionals highly value and what they view as a reality of our city,” said Jay Palu, chairman of the group's board. “We believe this is a necessary step in our efforts to retain and attract young professionals to the greater Omaha area.”

Last month, Gray introduced a proposal to add protections for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people to the city's anti-discrimination ordinance. Gray has said he introduced the proposal after hearing of instances where people were discriminated against because of their sexual preference.

The change would apply to all Omaha employers, although last week Gray amended his proposal to exclude religious groups at the request of the Omaha Archdiocese.

FULL story at link.