Today, voters in Ypsilanti will go to the polls to decide whether a controversial ordinance banning discrimination should be reinstated or repealed. The ordinance became the subject of much debate because it extends protection to those discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation. In a country still struggling against intolerance, this ordinance is critical to insuring that all residents have the same rights and opportunities. Voters in Ypsilanti should vote in favor of reinstating the ordinance.
The anti-discrimination ordinance first came into being last December, when the Ypsilanti City Council unanimously approved the measure. The ordinance lists 14 specific characteristics which receive statutory protection. The inclusion of sexual orientation in the ordinance upset many city residents, triggering a drive to bring the ordinance to a referendum vote. The drive succeeded in gathering the necessary number of signatures, culminating in the ordinance's suspension and today's vote.
As election day grew nearer last week, the ordinance, and specifically the issue of gay rights, took center stage. In a late effort to sway the vote, groups opposing the ordinance held a highly publicized rally in which a number of celebrities, including football star Reggie White, spoke out against the ordinance. The glitter of national fame accompanying the celebrities only served to obscure the issue.
Sadly, ordinances such as the one at the heart of this controversy remain necessary today. Most people will not deny that America still wears some vestiges of the prejudice that permeates its past. Yet some of these same people cannot see that sexual orientation requires the same protection as many other characteristics which serve as a basis for discrimination.
Sexual orientation is a deeply personal issue that should not adversly affect a person's ability to live a peaceful, productive life. Without this ordinance, people may have their sexuality - an extremely private issue - used as a weapon against them. An employer could conceivably learn that a gay employee is on the payroll, and then fire the individual for only that reason, regardless of the employee's previous track record. That the employee's sexuality is not a matter for the employer's concern would make no difference.
When Ypsilanti voters go to the polls today, they should consider the importance of their own private matters, whatever they may be, and imagine having those matters meddled with by outside forces. This hypothetical violation of one's personal life is of the same principle, but lesser magnitude, as the violation people feel when discriminated against due to sexual orientation.
Also, when casting their votes, Ypsilanti residents should not allow the recent celebrity influence to cloud their judgment. The presence of famous nonresidents only brought in opinions which do not have a say in today's election. People may see someone of Reggie White's stature and follow his lead, all the while blinded by his fame as an athlete. Voters must look within themselves and vote as they feel is right. Those that are part of the day-to-day life in Ypsilanti need to take the lead-that imported celebrities usurped the city's own leaders from directing the dialog on this issue is disappointing. In the future, Ypsilanti should rely on its own voices.
Today is an important day in the history of Ypsilanti. Voters should cast their ballot to reinstate the anti-discrimination ordinance and provide those whose rights need protection with the ability to live in peace and security.
05-05-98
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