Palm Bay rejects human rights proposal

Mayor, three council members voted against the measure

Many in the crowd cheered for speaker Pastor Ken Delgado, who is against the ordinance. Several hundred people turned out for Thursday's Palm Bay City Council meeting, mainly for the controversial Human Rights Ordinance issue. The chamber was full to capacity, and many more were gathered in the courtyard and listened to the meeting on speakers

PALM BAY, Fla. – Before a crowd of some 500 people, the Palm Bay City Council rejected a proposal that would have created what proponents said is a human rights ordinance to protect gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender people from discrimination.

News 6 partner Florida Today said the mayor and three council members voted against the measure at the end of a 6 1/2-hour meeting that ended in the early morning Friday. Council member Michele Paccione, who brought the proposed ordinance before the council, voted for the measure.

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Mayor William Capote said he was not pleased with the way the proposed ordinance was presented and that it was not a simple issue that could be closely considered in the short time the council had.

"I got elected to listen to the community," Capote said. "I can't come to a decision in three weeks and 25 pages."

Council member Tres Holton said it was like trying "to create a solution in search of a problem.'

"There really wasn't evidence of an epidemic of discrimination," he said. "It's not rampant in our community. We're a loving community."

The proposed human rights ordinance would have ensured freedom "from all forms of discrimination, including discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, familial status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression."

It was supported bythe LGBT community and Equality Florida.

No Brevard County municipalities have adopted such an ordinance. Some Florida communities have adopted similar ordinances.

In addition to the 200 people inside the city council chambers, another crowd estimated at more than 300 listened to the meeting on speakers in a plaza outside.

Council member Jeff Bailey said he asked for reports from law enforcement and found that there has been a single incident against a person because of sexual orientation and it wasn't in Palm Bay, but in a nearby community.

"What I hear tonight is that we love one another," he said. "The fact is this isn't a grave issue."

Council member Harry Santiago Jr. said the ordinance was unnecessary because he believes the LGBT community is already protected under federal laws.

"This ordinance would favor one group over another," he said.

Paccione told the audience that she wanted people to know that she did not bring up the issue to hurt anybody. She said she has friends who have been hurt and discriminated against because of their sexual orientation.

"I love all of you," she said. "I love my gay friends and I love my transgender friends. My faith dictates that I treat everyone equally."

The audience, while animated and loud in their applause, were generally respectful of those opposing their view.

Bailey, who called out the names of those signed up to speak, pointed out with the cards that a great majority of the audience spoke out against the proposed ordinance.

The City Council had tabled the ordinance Jan. 19. At the time, several pastors criticized the ordinance. Pastors from several churches and denominations and a lot of their parishioners spoke out Thursday night against the ordinance.

"We the people are not here against any people," said Ken Delgado, a pastor of The House. "We love all people. We the people demand that you annul the ordinance."

Gina Duncan, a transgender woman who is the transgender inclusion director for Equality Florida, a civil rights organization for LBGT community, said the struggle will continue.

"We feel encouraged that we are taking the first step to introduce a human rights ordinance to Brevard County," Duncan said . "It's the first step in raising awareness. Times are changing. Brevard is a little behind in catching up to understanding the importance of having equality legislation."

Robin Bailey, who said she is a transgender woman, said that few people are aware that a transgender person can be fired from their job.

"You need to align yourself with what is already in place" elsewhere, she said.

Proponents said the ordinance is important to ensure that all individuals within the City of Palm Bay have equal access to employment, housing and public accommodations. They said they knew it would be a difficult fight in Palm Bay.

"We're extremely disappointed," Frances Speegle said.

Roger Hayward, a photographer, said he opposed the ordinance because he fears being forced to photograph events that are against his moral values.

"I'm not here to oppose anyone or take away anybody's rights," Hayward said. "We just want to know that this ordinance is not going to discriminate against our convictions."

In the end, those opposed gave a loud ovation to as the vote was taken.

"I had a feeling is was going to go in this direction because of the community," said Fred Platt, a retiree who attended the meeting with his wife, Beverly Platt. "I think it was the right decision."