The Merriam city council on Monday generally agreed on the wording of a nondiscrimination ordinance which would provide legal protections for LGBTQ residents and employees. The council heard the first reading of the ordinance, which was drafted by city attorney Nicole Proulx Aiken, during its meeting Monday. The ordinance will come back to the council for consideration at a date yet to be determined.
Aiken highlighted a few provisions currently included in the draft ordinance, which is designed to protect residents and employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity — especially in the areas of employment and public housing.
She noted that ordinance applies to any individual or business with four or more employees, anyone selling or renting property with more than four dwelling units, and anyone offering goods, services, facilities or accommodations to the public.
(Read more: Shawnee Mission Post – Community news and events for northeast Johnson County)