Dayton, Ky., City Council is voting on a fairness ordinance that could extend protections to people in the LGBT community.
Fairness ordinances extend protection to people in the LGBT community from being discriminated against.
Covington is the only Northern Kentucky city that currently has such an ordinance.
A Covington public official is challenging other Northern Kentucky cities to adopt a fairness ordinance. "I don't think the ordinance, or I would like to believe this anyway, is as much about actual protection and discrimination as it is about the statement it makes about a community," Covington Economic Development Director Tom West told Cincinnati Edition. Covington has had an ordinance since 2003.
Dayton Kentucky Mayor Ben Baker told host Michael Monks he hasn't heard of complaints, but the lack of protection doesn't mean people are safe. "So, this makes sure there is something online we can enforce and gives people that voice if needed," he says.
Baker says he doesn't expect any opposition to the ordinance.
Kentucky Fairness Executive Director Chris Hartman says cities across the state adopting similar laws could push the state to do the same. "We should not have different discrimination protections based upon which part of (interstates) 64, 65 or 71 or 75 we're driving on," he says. He says the only way state legislators will listen is if the conversation is in their backyard.
If the ordinance passes, Dayton would be the 12th Kentucky city to expand the protection. City Council will vote at Tuesday's meeting.