Saturday, March 22, 2014

2 years after anti-LGBTs predicted deluge of lawsuits over Omaha LGBT ordinance: 0 lawsuits, 3 pending complaints

The Omaha World-Herald requested information from the city regarding actions filed after passage of legislation adding LGBTs to protected classes in employment and public accommodations in Omaha (but not housing) and this is what Erin Golden discovered:
Officials say they have not received many calls from business owners looking for help or clarification, and they're not aware of any lawsuits tied to the ordinance.
     “It's been very minimal,” said Rhonda Uher, assistant director of the Human Rights and Relations Department.
     ...All are related to employment, rather than public accommodations. One involved an employee who was fired and another an employee who was allegedly harassed — both, those involved said, because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In a third case, an employee said he or she was unfairly disciplined. Another pointed to unfair terms and conditions of employment.
     The fifth case was classified as “constructive discharge.” That involves a claim of workplace conditions that became so unpleasant that the employee walked off the job.
     The two cases that have been dismissed are those related to discipline and dismissal.
     In 2013, 143 complaints were filed;  54 involved race, 26 involved gender, and 16 each related to age and disability.
     Patrick Bonnett, executive director of the so-called Omaha Liberty Project told the Herald he is still gathering signatures to put a repeal on the ballot and hopes to get the requisite number during the church fish fry season this spring.

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