Kokomo council member advocates protection for LGBT

KOKOMO, Ind. (AP) – A Kokomo Common Council member says the city’s public works and welfare committee is working on a proposal that would amend the city’s human rights municipal code to include protections for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people.

The Kokomo Tribune reports Steve Whikehart says Kokomo needs to follow the lead of other cities and extend local protections to the LGBT community. Whikehart is hoping to protect LGBT residents when it comes to housing, employment, education and public accommodations.

Whikehart says he doesn’t know when the proposed ordinance will be introduced.

Council member Tom Miklik things the council should wait because a bill before the Legislature would require any local civil rights ordinances passed after Dec. 31 to conform to state law.