The Glendale Chamber of Commerce has created a task force to champion the adoption of equality to include a LGBTQ inclusive non-discrimination ordinance in the City of Glendale that would prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The task force will be responsible for convening business leaders, community leaders and other stakeholders to educate and build support for a city-wide ordinance.
Eight other Arizona cities have passed non-discrimination ordinances in Arizona with the most recent being Mesa and Scottsdale. Arizona has no statewide law barring discrimination against LGBTQ people in employment, housing, or public accommodations.
“Equal treatment for all people is the right thing to do, but it’s also good for the business of Glendale,” said Robert Heidt, President of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce. “If we want large conventions and national events to see us as the ideal destination, if we want families to visit and fall in love, and if we want to persuade businesses to bring their jobs to Glendale, we need to be open for business to everyone.”
The group will begin meeting early May with more nearly two-thirds of the Chamber Board of Directors engaged in the task force for representing a diversified group of industries. The group has also identified several other key partners who will take part.
“Adopting a non-discrimination ordinance that is inclusive of all people, including LGBTQ people, positions Glendale to succeed. As a city, Glendale must leverage the same competitive advantages that inclusivity provides to our neighboring cities to attract the top talent, business, and events we need to thrive,” said Kate Kochenderfer, Chairwoman of the Glendale Chamber Board of Directors.
The Glendale Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, membership-driven organization comprised of nearly 1,300 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Our mission is to provide leadership that facilitates the creation of a prosperous regional economy and effective advocacy for our members and the business community.
Speak Your Mind
You must be logged in to post a comment.