NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Metro government's non-discrimination policy for contractors is a fact of law. Nashville Mayor Karl Dean signed the ordinance into effect Friday.
He also fired a shot at a bill at the state legislature that takes aim at the policy. In a statement, he said "I believe the decisions of locally-elected government bodies should be respected by the legislature. The passage of this legislation is consistent with actions taken by a number of cities in all parts of the United States. This is not the time to abandon our belief in local government"
That referred to a bill filed by State Representative Glen Casada that would prevent the ordinance from taking effect.
The new ordinance, approved Tuesday night at council, requires businesses that contract with Metro government to guarantee protections, in writing, for gay, lesbian, and transgender workers.
The issue came to a head after Belmont and women's soccer coach Lisa Howe abruptly parted way, purportedly because of her sexuality.
Related Stories:
