Despite lingering skepticism about the strength of a city-level nondiscrimination ordinance, Overland Park officials on Monday agreed to prohibit discrimination against the LGBTQ community.
The vote came on the eve of the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday hearing arguments over whether federal civil rights law protects LGBTQ people from job discrimination. A ruling is expected by next summer, in which the justices will determine whether it is legal to fire employees based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Overland Park leaders warned that the city’s ordinance could become moot depending on the outcome of the closely watched federal cases. Officials called for state and federal laws prohibiting LGBTQ discrimination, arguing they would be more effective.
(Read more: Joco 913 News)