Mo. Task Force Makes Recommendations on LGBT Ordinance

A Springfield task force is recommending that the city not hold a public vote on any ordinance regarding discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

The task force said in a report Wednesday that its top recommendation to the Springfield City Council was to pass an ordinance guarding against discrimination only in housing. But in a secondary recommendation, the task force supported broader protections against discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations, if it contained strong religious exemptions.

The Springfield News-Leader reports (http://sgfnow.co/1ba9aSi ) the task force said holding a public vote on the ordinance could create public division and harm the city's reputation.

Mayor Bob Stephens estimated it could be several weeks before council takes action.