Orlando Anti Discrimination Ordinance committee members celebrate victory in City Council chambers moments after the final vote. Shown: Lisa Manchester, Mary Brooks, Michael Slaymaker, Sam Odom, Debbie Simmons, Jim Brown and Carl Johnson.

WE WON! The Final Count, 4-3
Rachel Gardiner, GayOrlando.com staff
Dec. 3, 2002
The amendment to Chapter 57, adding gay and lesbians as a protected class to Orlando's anti-discrimination ordinance, has finally gotten its vote. After another day long of nearly 100 speakers addressing both sides of the issue, the City Council of Orlando took its vote. Although we know discrimination will remain an issue we will face again, and stand with others against, let this be a moment of celebration!

Michael Slaymaker and Sam Odom were founding members of OADO, who stuck with it the whole time, and it was their relentless efforts which made it all happen. Without them, none of this would have happened. Mary Brooks, Carl Johnson and Larry Smith were also founding members of OADO who, due to time constraints dropped out for a while, but returned in the last year when the big push was on and were instrumental in their efforts. Debbie Simmons, Marty Chapman, Jim Brown, Marni Harmony, Pat Padilla from PFLAG, Lisa Manchester, Patty Duffy, Kim Bowles, attorney Mary Meeks and Vicki Nantz of FloridaBulletin.com helped tremendously as well.

Our community owes a profound thanks to all the members of OADO for spearheading this amendment, to Commissioner Patty Sheehan for her out-in-front position, Commissioner Daisy Lynum for her adamant support, Commissioner Ernest Page for reasserting his belief in the amendment as an affirmation of the Constitution, and to Commissioner Phil Diamond for standing firm against discrimination of any kind. It took hard work and the testimony of hundreds to make this amendment's passage a reality. We are also grateful for the unwavering support of The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Orlando, the Board of Rabbis, Joy Metropolitan Church, Rollins College professors and students, and other individuals in and outside of our community who rallied to help.

Commissioner Patty Sheehan praised her staff for their hard work and support: "Without them, I wouldn't be able to do what I do." Shown L to R: Penny Reed, administrative aide; Commissioner Patty Sheehan; Officer Rhonda Childers

Mayor Hood maintained that Orlando did not need this amendment, but that we should 'begin the healing, no matter what the outcome of the vote, and go forward as a community.' Commissioner Vargo stated she still did not see the evidence of discrimination against gays and lesbians and that it would be an open door to 'unintended' legal actions against small business, Commissioner Wyman stayed with her preference to see the issue go to a referendum for a public vote.

Mayor Hood told the press in a statement shortly following adjourning the meeting that she would not use her veto power to overrule the vote. The amendment will take affect January 1st, 2003.

Thanks to the management and staff of The Westin Grand Bohemian for the warm welcome and post-vote celebration!

Appreciation for Daisy Lynum, sealed with a kiss.

Time to say THANK YOU!
The opponents of this basic civil rights amendment have made it clear that they will not stop fighting. Send an email in support and thanks to the Commissioners who stood up for you!
Commissioner Sheehan
Commissioner Lynum
Commissioner Page
Commissioner Diamond

What Now?
We have accomplished this goal… but not without a price. The expenses incurred by the small business owner/members of the OADO committee have been tremendous. We all have benefitted by their efforts… let's not make it also at their expense. All contributions are to go for reimbursement to OADO members for their out-of-pocket expenses incurred in copying, printing, computerized legal research, and miscellaneous expenses related to the various media kits and presentations made to the Human Relations Board and the Orlando City Council. No money will go toward legal fees or any consultation fees. To contribute to the Orlando Anti-Discrimination Ordinance Committee, send your checks to: "Trust Account of Martha Chapman, P.A."   823 Irma Ave. Orlando, FL 32803   (Include a note for "OADO")

Chapter 57 Proposed Amendment