Program on 20th anniversary of Human Rights Ordinance

Chicago, IL - On Sunday, Nov. 9, Gerber/Hart Library presented a program marking the 20th anniversary of the passage of the Chicago Ordinance on Human Rights. The Ordinance was enacted by the Chicago City Council on December 21, 1988, and took effect in mid-February, 1989. The legislation prohibited discrimination against gay men and lesbians, in addition to 12 other categories of individuals, in the areas of housing, employment and public accommodations. Laurie Dittman, Rick Garcia and Arthur Johnston, three individuals instrumental in lobbying for the passage of the Ordinance, participated in a panel discussion moderated by Timothy Stewart-Winter. Other activists who worked for passage of the Ordinance also were present to share their reflections on the 15-year effort. Chicago was the 55th municipality in the country to enact such legislation. For those interested in seeing the program, CAN TV will broadcast it on the following days and times: Wednesday, Dec. 24, 8 a.m., Channel 19; and Friday, Jan. 9, 8:30 a.m., Channel 19. For more information, call 773-381-8030 or visit www.gerberhart.org.