Texas: Plano LGBT Protections Ordinance Has A Few Holes In It

I reported last night on the passage of LGBT protections by the Plano City Council. While a good step forward, it seems there are a few holes in the fine print that will allow for the truly anti-gay to refuse to serve LGBT folks.

From the Plano Star Courier:

According to the revised ordinance, discrimination based on a resident’s sexual orientation or gender identity is prohibited in regards to public accommodation, employment, housing transactions and city contracting. However, religious and political groups as well as nonprofit organizations are exempt from the ordinance.

City Attorney Paige Mims said the ordinance also includes a waiver process for businesses to be exempt if the owners feel the policy would not allow them to conduct business based on their personal faith. Individuals and organizations found in noncompliance to the ordinance would be charged with a Class C misdemeanor, the least severe class of misdemeanor. While the ordinance does make it illegal to discriminate against gender identity in a public place, Mims said that would not extend to public restrooms and locker rooms which would still be segregated based on physical anatomy.

So, apply for a "waiver" and you can get to discriminate.

Ironically, those who are the more virulently anti-gay STILL hate the ordinance and want to sue to have it struck down. Hard to imagine why when the religious exemptions are so broad. Clearly, anyone who doesn't want to serve gays will not have to. So, shut up.

Forward.