Anti-discrimination law passes in Bexley

Cheers went up inside the Bexley City Council hall on Tuesday night with the passage of a new anti-discrimination ordinance. The new law prohibits most businesses from discriminating on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, familial status or military status. With seven members on the council, the measure passed by a vote of 6 – 0. (City Council President Richard Sharpe abstained.)

The new law goes into effect in 30 days. Businesses that violate the ordinance will face a fine of between $1000 and $5000.

The issue took a large spotlight in Bexley earlier this year when same-sex couple Jenn Moffitt and Jerra Knicely were planning their wedding. The two were denied service by a photography company called Next Door Stories. Next Door told Moffitt and Knicely via e-mail that they do not provide services for same-sex weddings. The couple went public with their story.

Following the council’s vote, Moffitt posted this message to Facebook:

I am overcome with so many emotions, I can’t form any solid thoughts right now. But -WE DID IT! We did it. We are so grateful! Thank you to all you strangers who have become FRIENDS and STOOD BY US for this fight! & Thank you council! And to Chris Cozad & the team at BRAVO- ❤Big EQUAL Love from Jerra & Me!!

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