NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
The Metro Council voted Tuesday night to delay a decision on a third and final reading of a controversial measure that would prohibit contractors in Nashville from discriminating against homosexuals.
The proposal, sparked by the departure of former Belmont University women's soccer coach Lisa Howe, would make a business promise not to discriminate based on sexual orientation before it can do business with Metro Nashville.
Dr. Richard Land with the Southern Baptist Convention thinks the city is stepping on the toes of local churches by considering the legislation.
"We should keep sexual orientation out of the workplace," he said. "It shouldn't really be my business what a person's sexual orientation is."
Metro Councilwoman Erica Gilmore added, "When you actually deny people rights, it hurts the economy. It hurts social environment."
Land asked, "But what about a church [that] runs a daycare, what about a church that runs an after school program, what about a church that's running a job training program?"
"Religious institutions are exempted, so that kind of throws that whole argument out the window," Gilmore retorted, "we're just talking about businesses."
Land believes the majority of Metro Nashville residents are against the bill, but in Council Chambers Tuesday night it looked as if the majority favored the bill.
Gilmore told Nashville's News 2 that she is confident it will pass. She said, "I think we have the votes, and we're ready to move forward."
The council was not able to move forward Tuesday night because several members were not present at the meeting.
"Some of our colleagues are absent tonight because they're on spring break," said Gilmore.
The Metro Council has deferred the vote until April 5.
Several other important issues also went before the Metro Council for a vote Tuesday night, including a resolution removing the members of the fair board, which was deferred.
A resolution approving an application for a grant from TEMA to acquire and remove 63 houses located in various floodplains was approved, and another resolution to exempt certain newer vehicles from emissions testing was deferred indefinitely on second reading.
Related Stories:
- Feb. 15, 2011: Metro Council passes anti-discrimination policy
- Feb. 2, 2011: Belmont fills women's soccer coach with new hire
- Jan. 26, 2011: Belmont adds sexual orientation to nondiscrimination policy
- Dec. 9, 2010: Former Belmont coach hopes controversy raises awareness
- Dec. 9, 2010: Sexual orientation not factor, Belmont president says
- Dec. 7, 2010: Belmont Code of Conduct likely cost coach her job
- Dec. 6, 2010: Students stage sit-in in support of coach, gay rights
- Dec. 5, 2010: Belmont students protest in support of gay soccer coach
- Dec. 3, 2010: Belmont parts ways with gay women's soccer coach
