Media

Failed Montgomery nondiscrimination ordinance would’ve benefited local economy: Chamber

AL.com

August 19, 2021

Courtney Roark, Alabama state policy and movement building director for Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity, or URGE, said the group was “incredibly disappointed and disgusted” in the city council’s vote.

“It is extremely disheartening that the Montgomery City Council has rejected Mayor Steven Reed’s non-discrimination ordinance, which would have protected marginalized groups from discrimination in housing, employment, and public places. Everyone, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, and disability deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” Roark said.

“We are incredibly disappointed and disgusted by the anti-trans rhetoric that continues to be spewed in policy-making chambers in Alabama, both at the state and local levels,” they added. “We are not going to sit idly by without holding the Montgomery City Council accountable. The LGBTQ+ community of Montgomery  deserves to be able to live free lives, without fear of discrimination.”