Vote "no" On Proposal C Restore The Ypsilanti Non-discrimination Ordinance!

Ypsilanti voters are reminded to vote "NO" on proposal C. The special election taking place on Tuesday, May 5 will determine whether the city's non-discrimination ordinance should be repealed. The ordinance, unanimously passed by the City Council last year, has been frozen because of actions taken by an antigay group that does not want protections extended to citizens based upon sexual orientation.

Sexual orientation is, in fact, only one of fourteen characteristics protected by the Ypsilanti non-discrimination ordinance. The ordinance al so protects people from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accomodations based upon their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, level of ability, familial status, educational association, source of income, height or weight.

Community members are rallying behind the Ypsilanti Campaign for Equality (CFE). A recent fundraiser at Shaman Drum Bookshop in Ann Arbor brought scores of people together to contribute both verbal and monetary support, as did the "Dining "aut vs. Discrimination" event at the /"aut/ bar. In addition to these events, seventeen leaders and clergy of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have signed and circulated a letter affirming their support of the ordinance. The letter reads in part, "While we ourselves are not unanimous in our understanding of homosexuality as a moral issue, we are one with our national church in affirming the full human rights of all people, including gay and lesbian persons . . . We commend the Ypsilanti City Council on its action."

Shows of support like these are heartening. But CFE is stilt in extreme need of volunteers for the remaining days of the campaign. People are needed primarily f or phone canvassing, door-to-door canvassing, and to help prepare mailings.

"If we don't make contact with voters before the election, then we will lose," said Paul Heaton, co-chair of CFE. Heaton said reports have indicated that, despite strong support for a similar measure in Maine, the law was repealed because of poor voter identification, education and tumout. "We know the anti-gay forces will be well organized to get out their vote," Heaton said. "We need any minute anyone can spare before May 5."

CFE will provide scripts for people to use in making phone calls to registered voters. An important part of each call will be to educate people about the need to vote "No" in order to save the ordinance. "The anti-gay group is distributing outrageous signs and materials that may mislead people into voting "Yes," Heaton said. "This makes our direct voter contact even more important." 

If you would like to volunteer on behalf of Ypsilanti's non-discrimination ordinance, call CFE at (734) 480-7698, or email YpsiCFE@juno.com