Group to petition gay rights ordinance

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - A Kalamazoo group began a petition drive Tuesday to put the city's new gay rights ordinance before voters.

The Kalamazoo City Commission voted unanimously to adopt an anti-discrimination ordinance Monday night.

It will prohibit discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people when it comes to hiring, housing and other accommodations. The ordinance goes into effect in July.

The Kalamazoo Citizens Voting No to Special Rights Discrimination group issued a press release stating the ordinance is an issue of discrimination.

"Whenever a particular class is enumerated for special protection, others are discriminated against," the release states. "The Constitution and the Civil Rights Act already provide for the protection of every individual from discrimination by others."

The group believes the gay community has been singled out for special protection and rights over other groups.

The city manager will be in charge of the ordinance's enforcement, 24 Hour News 8 reported Monday.

Businesses and housing organizations would face stiff fines if found to have discriminated against the gay community.