News
AFFA works with Mt. Pleasant to Pass Non-Discrimination Ordinances
Press Release
Today is a great day for equality. With the leadership of AFFA, who advocated for policy changes, the Town of Mount Pleasant voted unanimously last night to approve two additions to the town’s code of ordinances that respectively prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in the rental and sale of housing, and in the enjoyment and privileges to public accommodations.
The passage of these two ordinances comes on the heels of the Mount Pleasant Town Council passing an update to the town’s HR Policy in June that established employment protections against discrimination based on an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The passage of these two non-discrimination ordinances is significant because individuals who self-identify as LGBTQ will now be protected not only in the workplace, but also within the communities in which they live.
“We are grateful to Mount Pleasant’s elected leaders for sending a strong message that they will support their LGBTQ constituents — not just with words, but also with policy,” said Chase Glenn, AFFA’s Executive Director. “The passage of these LGBTQ-inclusive non-discrimination ordinances not only protect those in the LGBTQ community who already live here, but it shows that Mount Pleasant is a place that all people can call home.”
AFFA worked with Mount Pleasant Town Council Member Guang Ming Whitley to introduce the ordinances. Whitley said, “I am thankful to my fellow Town Council Members for recognizing the need for these ordinances and I am grateful they passed unanimously. We have now made it clear that we are a town that does not accept discrimination.”
AFFA Founder and former President Linda Ketner said, “The people of Mount Pleasant have always valued fairness, so I was pleased but not surprised at Council’s unanimous support for inclusive housing and public accommodation ordinances. Thank you, Mount Pleasant!”
Mount Pleasant joins its Lowcountry neighbors in North Charleston, Charleston and Folly Beach in this triumph for civil rights, who have passed similar ordinances in recent years protecting their LGBTQ community members.
To learn more about AFFA’s advocacy work throughout the Lowcountry, please visit affa-sc.org.