This July a young lesbian couple was forced to leave a Richmond park (Kentucky) for kissing. They had come to the park to take maternity photos.
The Kentucky Human Rights Commission called the event a “sad reminder” of the need to protect everyone from discrimination. The commission has spent more than four years fighting for an anti-discrimination fairness law to be passed. The new law would prohibit discrimination based on secula orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. William Sharp, Staff Attorney for the ACLU of Kentucky, said that as the park could be considered public accommodation the law would have protected the women.
However, Richmond City Commission claims that it would be too costly to implement the law and that they wouldn’t have the expertise to deal with related complaints. In response to this the KHRC offered appropriate training for free and claimed that there would be no additional cost for implementing the law.
Support these women – fairness for Richmond!
We the undersigned are disgusted to read about the treatment received by a young lesbian couple in a Richmond park. The couple, who were asked to leave for kissing, are victims of discrimination.
Discrimination against the LBGT community is unacceptable. It is vital that anti-discrimination fairness laws are passed so that all residents of Richmond are protected.
We believe that openness and equality are key requisites for prosperity and democracy in the twenty-first century and therefore ask you to take urgent action on this issue.
Thank you for your attention.
