Signs of trouble for expanding the city’s anti-discrimination ordinance flared up over a week ago.
Legislation on how and if to include the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities in city law narrowly was kept alive after an abrupt withdrawal request initiated by City Council Vice President Lori Boyer.
She wanted Mayor Lenny Curry’s directive that protects city employees to have time to unfold.
Bill sponsor Tommy Hazouri heard rumors a second special meeting Thursday could have a follow-up attempt. So he pulled it himself.
Hazouri announced Saturday his intent to withdraw his legislation for the time being.
He wants a chance to work further with city attorneys to clarify exemptions, focus on the business side of the bill and continue to educate the public.
Some council members voiced issues with how the bill could negatively impact small businesses.
Community opponents have begun to more frequently call it a “bathroom bill” issue, something Hazouri bristles at.
“I am not withdrawing from the war,” said Hazouri. “It’s just a battle that needs to be extended.”
He had requested a Wednesday meeting with council President Greg Anderson and said he didn’t want rumors to be rampant leading to that sit-down.
Retreat is better than defeat when it comes to legislation. Had Hazouri pursued the measure and it was voted down by council, he’d have to wait a year to reintroduce it unless it was substantially different.
And when he saw how tepid the conversation was to keep his bill alive, he decided to pull back.
“I am more passionate today than ever before and I want it to pass,” Hazouri said. “I don’t want it voted down.”
His bill would keep any expansion decision with elected leaders. A similar bill filed by Bill Gulliford would put the issue on the ballot. Gulliford will withdraw his legislation once Hazouri’s bill has been.
Aaron Bowman is a co-sponsor on the Hazouri bill. The JAX Chamber senior vice president has been outspoken about expanding LGBT rights to city law, much like his employer.
He said Saturday he agreed with Hazouri’s decision and the two probably felt the same way — it wasn’t getting the anticipated support.
“A lot of council members went in and seemed to be silent,” said Bowman.
The additional time will allow Hazouri, Bowman, fellow co-sponsor Jim Love and others to continue to work on changes and educate the community so that when the bill is reintroduced, the outcome could be more favorable.
For example, Bowman in a meeting with Hazouri suggested the idea of amending the bill to include an appeal process for businesses accused of violating an extended law. It would be for businesses with more than 15 employees.
“We need to give people more comfort,” said Bowman.
He said won’t let it die; Hazouri won’t either, saying he planned to re-introduce it “soon.” He declined to elaborate.
As news spread Saturday afternoon, some took to social media to voice their frustration with the decision. Hazouri said he hopes the community understands his reasoning.
Jimmy Midyette said he was surprised by the decision and understood why some in the LGBT community would be frustrated.
But, the legislative director of the Jacksonville Coalition for Equality also understands.
The narrow 11-8 failed vote to dispatch the Hazouri bill said a lot. And with time for others to reconsider before Thursday — especially with so much focus on pension reform — he sees why Hazouri made the move.
“We need to do a little more work on council,” said Midyette.
He said while feelings might be hurt now over the move, the delay will give advocates more time to reach the community.
He also has some historical perspective. When the same battle took place in 2012, bill sponsor Warren Jones was solo on the bill. There are three sponsors this time.
However, it will take 10 votes of support to make a change. For now, Hazouri and others want to make sure they’re in place.
@writerchapman
(904) 356-2466