Ordinance banning
antigay discrimination fails in Indiana town

An ordinance banning antigay discrimination has been rejected by a five to four vote of an Indiana city council for the second time in as many years. The ordinance would have protected gays in South Bend from discrimination while job-seeking, going to school, and buying or renting a home. The measure, which explicitly exempted religious organizations, was met by intense resistance from the local Roman Catholic Church. In a statement, Bishop John D'Arcy said the effort was "more about validating in law homosexual lifestyles and behaviors" than prohibiting "unjust" discrimination. After the vote, Catherine Pittman of South Bend Equality told WNDU-TV that "it's very difficult when people...say that their right to discriminate against people overrides those individuals to have jobs and...housing." Pittman said her group was disappointed but would continue pressing the council on gay rights. (Sirius OutQ News)