WZZMKALAMAZOO, Mich. (WZZM) - Overwhelming turnout in Kalamazoo helped pass an ordinance that includes gay, lesbian, and transgender people in an anti-discrimination ordinance.
The ordinance passed with 62-percent voting yes, and 38-percent voting no.
The Kalamazoo City Council voted unanimously in favor of the ordinance-- Tuesday it was up to voters. In one downtown polling place additional ballots were requested just one hour before the polls closed.
The ordinance will protect gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender individuals against discrimination in housing, employment, city contracts and public accomodations.
At the campaign headquarters of One Kalamazoo, the campaign behind the ordinance, volunteers worked tirelessly. They say it's is about time there is something on the books to protect people.
"The whole premise behind the ordinance is making sure everyone in Kalamazoo is treated fairly and equally. No one should be fired from their job just because they are gay or transgender, and so at it's core this is really to make sure we are treating everyone the same in Kalamazoo," said Jon Hoadley, Campaign Manager for One Kalamazoo.
The opposition group says the ordinance was really a gay right's proposal masquerading as a civil right's issue.
They are deeply dissapointed in tonight's outcome, but they could not compete against the money funding One Kalamazoo. Tuesday night, they thanked all of their supporters and volunteers.
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