On July 11, your DeKalb County Board of Commissioners passed a Non-Discrimination Ordinance, strengthening protections for vulnerable residents in unincorporated areas of the county. 

The ordinance, along with a proclamation by DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond and the Board of Commissioners recognizing June as Pride Month and our official raising of the Pride Flag, illustrates our county’s support for its LGBTQIA+ citizens.

The passage of both of these could not come at a more pivotal time. Many people across the country feel vulnerable to discrimination, notably following the outcome of major higher court decisions. It is critical that we as leaders do everything within our power to make our county inclusive and welcoming.

Here’s a clip from when I introduced this item in June at the BOC.

To say I am proud of the strides we are taking to achieve this would be an understatement. I echo and lift up our CEO’s support of these efforts, too:

“DeKalb County Governing Authority is committed to making the county an inclusive place for all to live, work and play,” CEO Thurmond said. 

I also thank my fellow Commissioner, District 2’s Michelle Long Spears, for her support:

“I thank Commissioner Terry for bringing this matter forward and wholeheartedly support these efforts to create a more inclusive and welcoming county for all residents,” District 2 Commissioner Michelle Long Spears said. “Adopting this legislation codifies diversity, equity and inclusion in the provision of public accommodations, housing and employment in our County.”

– Ted

MEDIA:

To schedule an interview with Commissioner Terry, contact Kae Holloway (kholloway@pineapple-pr.com)

About the Ordinance:

The Non-Discrimination Ordinance prohibits “discrimination against any person on the basis of basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, genetic information, familial status, political affiliation, political opinion, sexual orientation, domestic relationship status, parental status, gender identity, or racial profiling in private employment and/or in places of public accommodations.”

Violation of this ordinance can result in a six-month suspension of a business license or, should they drive a taxi or other services, a suspension of their driver’s permit.  

The ordinance was drafted in partnership with Georgia Equality, which has worked with several other Georgia municipalities, including Tucker, to pass similar ordinances.

The ordinance provides in-depth descriptions of the protected classes. This includes adding and updating definitions for gender identity, parental status, and any and all protected classes.