http://www.onnnews.com/Global/story.asp?S=2470728&nav=LQlCSKI1
Voters in November will decide for the first time whether to keep the city's 11 year old ban on gay rights laws, the only one in the nation.
Supporters of repeal say it's time, that tolerance for diversity has increased. They also argue that the ban on enacting or enforcing laws based on sexual orientation keeps out convention business and new companies.
"The world has changed a great deal in the last 11 years with more gay people willing to be open about their sexual orientation, more of the public willing to embrace diversity and more businesses recognizing that discrimination is wrong," said Gary Wright, chairman of Citizens to Restore Fairness.
Opponents say there is no evidence either of harm to the economy or of changing attitudes since 62 percent of voters approved the ban in 1993.
"Nothing has changed, except that the business community has decided that the amendment needs to be repealed," said Phil Burress, president of Equal Rights, No Special Rights and president of the conservative Citizens for Community Values. "The board of the Chamber (of Commerce) may support repeal, but that doesn't mean all the Chamber members agree."