Ensuring Goshen Equality

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Ensuring Goshen Equality

On August 18th the Goshen City Council voted four to three to insure non-discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, adding protections identical to those currently provided by the city's civil rights ordinance on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, or national origin. A second, and final vote is scheduled for September 1st.

While the proposal received wide support from many groups, the opposition is hard at work to defeat this proposal, putting pressure on the four councilors who voted in favor of the amendment. Please take a moment to thank these city councilors and the Mayor for their support of equality for all Goshen citizens.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Goshen Values Diversity

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I commend you for taking a stand to end discrimination against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens of Goshen and making Goshen an inclusive community.

Your vote in support of the amendment to Goshen's civil rights ordinance, will help ensure that all persons have the ability to live and work in an environment where people are judged by job performance, not by sexual orientation or gender identity.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
August 26, 2009

Background Information

The claims of opponents
Opponents of this proposal for fairness have contacted their supporters making false claims and accusations. They have declared that discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons is unproven, protections are not necessary, that such an ordinance provides unwarranted special protections and is “a solution looking for a problem.”

The simple truth about the Goshen proposal
Incorporating sexual orientation and gender identity into the existing language in the Goshen civil rights ordinance will help ensure that all Hoosiers have equal access to the same opportunity to make a living and to support themselves. Critical to this is the ability to live and to work in an environment where all are judged by job performance, not by sexual orientation or gender identity.