04-January-2001 05:14 PM
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In this issue
Atlanta Enacts Protections Based on Sexual Orientation
ATLANTA - Mayor Bill Campbell signed a broad anti-discrimination ordinance Dec. 12 making it illegal for private employers in Atlanta to discriminate against lesbian and gay workers.
The law gives victims of discrimination access to a newly constituted, more powerful Human Rights Commission that would investigate discrimination complaints. The seven-member commission will be able to penalize companies by revoking business licenses, including liquor licenses, and ordering them to rehire an employee fired for being gay.
The law also creates a "private right of action," allowing victims to sue their employers in Atlanta Municipal Court for monetary damages.
The city first included sexual orientation in its non-discrimination policy for public employees in 1990, by an executive order of then-Mayor Maynard Jackson. City Councilwoman Cathy Woolard proposed the recent changes, which were approved in December.
Atlanta has "a rich history in the civil rights movement," Woolard said in a statement. "In distinction to the vast majority of large municipalities nationwide, there has been no general non-discrimination protection extending to private employment and public accommodations within the city of Atlanta's jurisdiction."
Woolard is a former field director for the Human Rights Campaign
It is likely the law will be challenged in court. It will also be interesting to see how the state legislature reacts. The right wing may try to pass some law making it illegal for Atlanta to have this kind of law. Of course, the Supreme Court already overturned Colorado's amendment 2, which was similar to the legislature regulating what laws the city passes.
Domestic Partner Enrollment in Benefits: How did it go?
Now that benefits enrollment is complete, I would like to get some opinions on how the process went for those who enrolled their partners. I have received some comments from KOLAGE members who enrolled their partners. The majority of the comments have been positive, but a few people felt hassled.
If you enrolled a partner in the benefits plan, please send me a reply or call me and let me know how the process worked for you: good, bad, or indifferent.
Still in need of a Social Event
We are still working on a gathering for KOLAGE members. If you have any ideas, please let Sam Clapp know. If you have a place you are willing to let us use, the steering committee will be happy to set up and clean up.
Miscellaneous
Steering Committee Members
Robert C. Marshall 6-6200
Sam Clapp 3-4440
Nancy Wilkinson 6-3471
B. Keith Poss 6-5887Distribution List Changes
Only two members of the Steering Committee maintain the distribution list for the KOLAGE update: Robert C. Marshall and Nancy Wilkinson. For any changes to the distribution list (e.g. moving your name from carbon copy to blind copy, vice versa, or changing your email address) please contact either Robert or Nancy.
If you know someone who would like to be added to the distribution list please have them contact either Robert or Nancy.
Clearing House
If you would like to host or organize an event for KOLAGE members, let Sam Clapp (or any other steering committee member) know. We will publish it in the next bulletin. If you do not want your name included in the bulletin, one of the SC members will act as the contact, and pass the information on to you.