Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle has signed an ordinance banning discrimination in all public places on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Mayor Suttle signed the ordinance Thursday at City Hall. The city council narrowly approved it Tuesday on a 4-3 vote. It bans discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals in the workplace and all public places.
Suttle says the ordinance is important to Omaha’s future development. “We have to be a city that is open for everyone, with fairness and without discrimination to anyone based on any of their feelings or beliefs or lifestyles. So this is a major step toward the future and a major step toward being a city that is inclusive of all people.”
Religious organizations are exempt from the ordinance. It will take effect in two weeks.