Kalamazoo Alliance for Equality Releases Statements of Support
July 29, 2009
Ed. Note: This post comes from our friends at the Kalamazoo Alliance for Equality following up on our update from last week.
Today 5,708 signatures in support of the inclusive non-discrimination ordinance were released during a press conference on the steps of City Hall hosted by KAFE, the Kalamazoo Alliance for Equality. The “statements of support” project was originally posted on the HRC Backstory last week which you can check out here. KAFE leaders Steve Gerike, Terry Kuseske, and Amy Hunter all spoke to the crowd of more than 60 supporters and volunteers. “The people of Kalamazoo clearly support the non-discrimination ordinance and reject discrimination,” said Terry Kuseske of the Kalamazoo Alliance for Equality. “We have more than two times the signatures turned in by opponents.” 
“The purpose of this ordinance is simple: everyone should be treated the same way on the job, in the housing market, and in public places,” said Amy Hunter of KAFE. “By collecting 5,708 signatures, we’re here to affirm what the City Commission already knew when they voted—Kalamazoo citizens support basic fairness for everyone, reject discrimination, and want to build a united community.” The event today comes on the day of the signature deadline for opponents of the Kalamazoo Non-Discrimination ordinance to turn in petitions request a repeal of the equal rights ordinance. Opponents of the non-discrimination ordinance reportedly submitted 2,100 signatures, more than the 1,274 needed to place the issue on the ballot. The inclusive non-discrimination ordinance was passed by the City Commission on June 29 after five public forums were held to hear comments about the ordinance. The final ordinance includes revisions proposed during the public forums, such as strong protections for religious freedom. If the signatures are certified, a referendum vote is likely for November 3, 2009. Learn more at www.SupportKalamazoo.com and www.KalamazooAlliance.org
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