Gainesville Charter Ammendment
Equality Is Gainesville’s Business will be doing a phone bank 6:00-9:00 PM every Tuesday and Thursday at the Pride Community Center 3131 NW 13 St. For more information contact Fred Pratt Ph. 352-335-2986, or Prattwheels1@aol.com.
Subject: Gainesville Charter Amendment
Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2009 23:34:43 -0500
Dear Supporter:
On March 24, 2009, Gainesville voters will be asked to vote on an amendment that would remove anti-discrimination protections in employment, housing, credit and public accommodations that currently exist for residents who are gay or transgender.
The ramifications are even more extensive — you can read about it in the letter included below.
The reason I am contacting you is because the campaign to fight this negative amendment will be expensive — upwards of $100,000 for polling, getting out the vote campaign, advertising. I am dedicating my time to make sure this amendment doesn’t pass. The campaign urgently needs your financial support–time is of the essence.
The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force has offered a challenge grant to see the campaign — for every $1 you contribute they will donate a dollar up to $7,500.
Please feel free to give me a call at 352-219-5068 to talk about the campaign or to drop off a check. You can also donate online at www.equalitygainesville.com. You can also mail a check made out to “Equality Is Gainesville’s Business” to PO Box 40, Gainesville FL 32602. There is no contribution limit, and every dollar counts no matter what level you can afford to give.
Thank you,
Terry
- Eliminate basic antidiscrimination laws in Gainesville that protect gay, lesbian and transgender citizens, making it legal to discriminate in employment, housing, and public accommodation on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Prohibit the Gainesville City Commission from passing or enforcing any antidiscrimination categories beyond those currently in specific statutes of the Florida Civil Rights Act cited in the proposed amendment. This would not only remove protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity, but also prohibit veterans preference in hiring and local preference in City contracting. The Commission could never restore those protections or add others, such as those=2 0based on pregnancy and political affiliation.
- Surrender to state politicians in Tallahassee the sole power to dictate what they think is best for Gainesville residents regarding antidiscrimination laws.
- Ruin Gainesville’s reputation and economic outreach as an inclusive community welcoming all who come to work, learn or visit at a time Fortune 500 companies are embracing increased diversity of their workforce.
P.S. There is no dollar limit for contributions to this issue campaign. Any contribution amount is greatly appreciated.
By: CherylCheryl is a computer networking professor at Sante Fe College for the past 14 years and is a highly sought after internet and computer consultant. Previous to her tenure at Sante Fe, Cheryl spent seven years working for the American Red Cross in Jacksonville. During that time she served as a founding member of the North Florida Aids Network, Vice-Chair of the North Florida Drowning Prevention Coalition and wrote many grants for HIV/AIDS education training. Cheryl has, also, had the privilege of being mother to two wonderful human beings. Her 19 year old son Sean and 17 year old daughter Jessie have been very supportive of her commitment to Wild Iris Books and have been very helpful its growth and success. Cheryl is the logistical and strategic thinker of the team who is one of the most non-judgmental, compassionate persons on the planet.
Website: http://friendsofwildiris.org/members/cheryl/
I just found out today that because we live on 39th ave, at 51st st, we’re not considered part of “the city” and therefore we can’t vote in this election. To say my partner and I are furious is putting it quite mildly. I have written emails to the Board of Elections and to Equality Florida trying to get thoughts on who I can contact tryint to rectify this. Everything I’ve found only talks about the annexation of 20th ave, and around I-75, but nothing about us. Little did I know that we weren’t considered part of the city, despite how this amendment can affect us. If anyone has any ideas for who else I can contact, please let me know. My irritation is growing by the minute just knowing that my vote will not count, but the decisions of this vote will affect us immensely. Thanks.