HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – If Holland is ready to amend its Protection Against Discrimination ordinance to include the LGBTQ+IA community, the City Council wants all hands on deck before taking that step.
Nine years ago, on a 5-4 vote, such an amendment to expand the prevention of discrimination on housing and employment in the Tulip City was defeated. With only three of those nine council members still in office now, the issue was among those revisited in January, with the City Manager and City Attorney asked “to supply council with possible options.”
The COVID 19 outbreak put a pause to those efforts, but by July 15th, there was a “first reading” of a proposed ordinance amendment. Normally, a second reading and vote on passage or rejection of an amendment comes two weeks later, but during tonight’s scheduled business meeting, City Manager Keith Van Beek is expected to ask Council for an additional two weeks, until August 19th, before holding such a second reading. It will give more time for all involved to have their input before a final decision is made, when all members of the Council will be on hand.
The Holland City Council’s meeting begins in Chambers at Holland City Hall at 6:30 PM. A link to the agenda is here.
