Grand Island Council To Consider Gay Rights Law

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) - The Grand Island City Council has scheduled a vote on extending anti-discrimination protection to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

The Grand Island Independent reports that the council vote is scheduled for Tuesday night. If the proposed ordinance were to be adopted, it would be illegal in Grand Island to fail to hire or promote someone based on sexual orientation. Bias in housing or retail settings also would be barred.
The Nebraska Attorney General's Office has issued a nonbinding opinion that cities have no authority to adopt such ordinances. The Lincoln City Council has revoked its ordinance, but a public vote is expected. The Omaha ordinance remains in effect.
Neither state nor federal laws expressly bar discrimination against homosexual, bisexual or transgender people.