Frankfort has become the fifth Kentucky city to pass a fairness ordinance to protect individuals from discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Frankfort’s Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 in favor of the law, which prohibits discrimination in matters of employment, housing and public accommodations.
Fairness Campaign Director Chris Hartman says there was never a question of whether the measure had majority support, but commissioners delayed votes through various amendments along the way.
“Certainly commissioners had the chance to voice their opinions and express what they thought about the laws so there really was a desire to go ahead move forward. It was obvious that it was going to pass. It was time for the city to get on with other business.” –Chris Hartman
The ordinance establishes a seven-member human rights commission that will hear discrimination complaints.
Frankfort joins Louisville, Lexington, Covington and the eastern Kentucky community of Vicco in passing similar protective laws.