Ohio city panel rejects sexual-orientation clause

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (AP) — A western Ohio city has rejected a proposal to add sexual orientation and gender identity to the city’s nondiscrimination codes for fair housing and job protection.

The 3-2 vote by the Springfield Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights ended months of debate since last summer, often in standing-room only meetings.

The Springfield News Sun reports that Mayor Warren Copeland and Commissioner Karen Duncan voted in favor of the measure Tuesday night, with the other three commissioners opposed.

The vote was taken before a City Hall crowd so large that some people were not allowed inside.

Opponents and supporters of the measure both agree the debate will continue going forward.

Commissioners tabled the proposal in September while the city’s volunteer Human Relations Board researched the issue.