Should Holland ban discrimination?

HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) - Similar to other ordinances passed across Michigan, a ban on discrimination is now in front of city officials in Holland.

Bill Freeman approached the Holland City Council on Wednesday, relentless in his pursuit for equity, regardless of sexual orientation. It's a battle he's unsure if he will win, but he said it's worth fighting for. He was sparked by a recent decision at Hope College.

"(I want) to rescind their rules that basically denigrate homosexuality," Freeman said. "And people asked them to change that and get rid of it and they refused."

As a private college, Hope has the right to make such policy decisions.

A similar ordinance in Kalamazoo makes it illegal to discriminate against gays and lesbians when it comes to hiring, housing and accomodations. It passed with a 62 percent majority in November of 2009.

Freeman hopes it doesn't come to that, but he will go ahead with his pursuit.

"I think progress is being made in Holland (and) changes are being made," Freeman said. "People are more open-minded and forward-thinking than they're given credit for."

Freeman plans on meeting with Holland Mayor Kurt Dykstra to determine his next step.