ANN ARBOR, MI – Despite a huge outcry from businesses, religious leaders and citizens, earlier this year the Gainesville, Florida, City Council — in a midnight session — made it legal for men who perceive themselves as women to use women’s bathrooms in any business or public facility. However, a successful petition drive by “Citizens For Good Public Policy” will place a Charter Amendment on the March 2009 ballot, which would eliminate this bizarre right given to men.
Last week, “Citizens For Good Public Policy,” a coalition of business, religious and community leaders, held a press conference on the steps of Gainesville City Hall to announce 6,343 signatures were validated by the Supervisor of Elections, more than enough required to place the “midnight” ordinance on the March 2009 ballot. More registered Gainesville voters signed valid petitions in support of good public policy than voted for the Mayor of Gainesville or any other sitting City Commissioner in the most recent election.
The Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has acted as legal counsel for the coalition and helped draft the Charter Amendment that would prevent the addition of special categories to the City’s “Civil Rights” ordinance not currently included in the State of Florida’s Civil Rights Act.
The proposed Charter Amendment will prevent the addition of a multitude of bizarre special rights categories that are being pushed by radical groups with a national agenda. The Amendment will have the effect of invalidating the recently enacted “gender identity” category, which creates awkward and potentially harmful situations for young girls and women.
Over 50 people were gathered to hear various community leaders involved in the gathering of the petitions to place the ordinance before the voters of Gainesville. A Florida attorney from the Thomas More Law Center addressed the conference and answered questions regarding the process and the road forward with the ballot initiative.
Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center stated, “This Charter Amendment would bring Gainesville’s anti-discrimination laws in line with the state of Florida’s. In practical effect, these types of ordinances end up being used to prosecute Christians who faithfully practice their faith.”
If passed, the Charter Amendment would provide uniformity with established state and federal discrimination laws and eliminate the undue burden that special categories place on the activities and financial resources of citizens, businesses and taxpayers in Gainesville, Florida.
Cain Davis, Executive Director of “Citizens For Good Public Policy” stated, “The citizens of Gainesville are encouraged about having the opportunity to vote on this issue, which will ensure their laws accurately reflect their beliefs and values.”
The Thomas More Law Center has acted in concert with a coalition of Christian groups in Florida. The Law Center is working with David Caton of the “Florida Family Association” and Dennis Baxley of the “Christian Coalition of Florida.”
The Thomas More Law Center will continue to act as legal council for “Citizens For Good Public Policy” throughout the initiative process, the election, and after to help ensure the will of the people is not subverted by legal maneuvering of the current biased city council, or other radical groups bent on undermining the good people of Gainesville, Florida.
The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life through litigation, education, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org.