Politics & Government
Opponents File Petitions to Change Course of Human Rights Ordinance
The much talked about human rights ordinance for Royal Oak could go to a vote of the people.
Opponents of Royal Oak’s human rights ordinance have succeeded in forcing the issue back before the city commission.
A group of residents submitted the required 746 valid signatures of registered Royal Oak voters on Tuesday, within the 20-day window of opportunity electors have to push the issue back to commissioners, according to Royal Oak City Clerk Melaine Halas. She said approximately 1,200 signatures in total were turned in.
The city commission will now have to decide whether to repeal its 6-1 decision or put it to a vote of the people.
Find out what's happening in Royal Oakwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The ordinance commissioners passed on March 4 would have prohibited discrimination in employment, housing or public accommodation on the basis of a variety of factors including race, religion, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV status. A violation would be a civil infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $500, plus the costs of investigation and prosecution.
Similar laws already are on the books in about a dozen Michigan communities, including Ferndale, Birmingham and Ann Arbor.
Find out what's happening in Royal Oakwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Royal Oak resident Fred Birchard circulated petitions, insisting voters should have the right to have a say in the matter. A similar ordinance was voted down by a 2-1 margin 12 years ago.
“We have to educate this whole city on why they should vote ‘no,’” Birchard told the Eccentric. “It’s a draconian attack on our personal freedom and our personal liberties.”
Mayor Jim Ellison said he was not surprised opponents were able to collect enough signatures, indicating he believes commissioners will not repeal their original decision.
"If we didn't think this was important, we wouldn't have passed it," he said.
Should the issue go before voters, the mayor worries it will be an ugly fight that will bring in outsiders from both sides, but that the measure will pass.
"I can't guarantee it though," he said.
RELATED:
- Human Rights Ordinance Passes on First Reading
- UPDATE: Human Rights Ordinance Passes 6-1 in Royal Oak
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