Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Task Force

Approved 3/18/2013 SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY TASK FORCE March 11, 2013 – 4:30 p.m. Public Safety Center, 330 W. Scott PRESENT: Judge Miles Sweeney – Chairman Randall Doennig, Rev. Steve Gardner, Dick Hardy, Jeff Houghton, Cindy Lear, Rick McLain, Lynne Meyerkord, Pam Sailors, Robert Saylor, Sarah Smith, David Trippe, Gary Whitaker Angela Filbeck – Alternate Kelly Johnson – MCHRCR Chairman CITY STAFF LIAISONS: Dan Wichmer – City Attorney, Sharon Smith – City Manager’s Office ABSENT: Lola Butcher, Dr. Ginger Holczer, Rev. Michael Overton, __________________________________________________________________________ The 3/4/13 minutes were reviewed and Dick Hardy made a motion to accept. Rick McLain seconded motion. Minutes approved. Kelly Johnson provided a background of how/why MCHRCR started reviewing the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity issue. The process of research and obtaining background information started in 2009, and the ordinances were written and brought before City Council in August 2012. Dan Wichmer stated the City staff studied Columbia, Missouri’s ordinance on the issue, since their Charter is similar to Springfield. Most of their task was focused on how “gender identity” and “sexual orientation” were defined in other cities as well. Judge Sweeney reviewed the areas with the members and the following were determined to be fundamental for the sub-committees:  Employment  Public Accomodations and Housing  Transgender issues and Healthcare The group determined the following topics would be discussed throughout all sub-committees:  Other Cities and Institutions  Faith-based communities All members were asked to provide their first and second choice of which sub-committee they request to serve on and submitted. Judge Sweeney will take these suggestions and form each sub- committee and communicate this to Task Force members prior to next meeting. Format will be that the Task Force meet as a group, then sub-committees will break out into their groups to focus on their assigned topics. Next meeting scheduled for Monday, March 18 at 4:30 pm. Meeting adjourned at 6:05 pm.