Another small step toward equality was taken, and in “red America” of all places.
LGBT activists are celebrating an unusual win: Topeka, the capital of the conservative state of Kansas, now has an ordinance banning discrimination based on sexual orientation in city hiring.
“Red state or blue state, the American people strongly support fairness. The city of Topeka made a common-sense and simple statement that no one should be fired from their job simply because of who they are,” said Human Rights Campaign President Cheryl Jacques in a prepared statement.
According to the Associated Press (AP), Topeka is similar to such cities as Salt Lake City; Baton Rouge, La.; and Louisville, Ky. While the cities are all based in “red” states that went for President Bush (news – web sites) during the election, the cities themselves have approved local LGBT rights ordinances.
Of course, as the article notes, Topeka is similar to the other “red state” capitols. If you believe the theory that the split in America is more “urban vs. rural” then it stands to reason that the larger city’s in the “red” states are little islands of “blue” (or at least “purple”) in a sea of “red.” So, while it’s a surprpise that this happened in Kansas, it’s less of a surprise that it happened in Topeka.
Still, it’s good news, and these days I’ll take good news wherever I can get it.
I read your blog daily. And enjoy it very much. I live in a very small town in the middle of Kansas. I am a white female Democrat. There are quite a few gay people in my town. They are accepted & treated like everyone else. I am very proud of that. Some are single but there are several couples in long time relationships —- with children. No one thinks anything of it. My 3 best friends are gay men — one has been my friend for 25 years. I grew up with & was friends with a lesbian. Not everyone in Kansas is a right-wing neocon or a redneck. Thank God!! We are working very hard to change that. Plus, I have just become good friends with a college student who is a Buddhist. In fact, I think that my small village is way ahead of Topeka. No one here is hired or fired based on sexual orientation or race. And we do not need or have any laws in my town about those issues.