DAYTON, Ky. — Dayton, Kentucky became the 12th city in the state to pass a fairness ordinance protecting the LGBTQ community against discrimination.
The law is now in effect, protecting LGBTQ-identifying people from discrimination when it comes to employment and housing.
Covington passed similar legislation in 2003, with Maysville following suit just last year.
When asked 'why Dayton', mayor Ben Baker only said, "Why not us, guys?"
The unanimous vote has now made it illegal to deny anyone housing or employment based on their sexual orientation or preference. While Dayton hasn't experienced any major issue with this in the past, Baker said it just made sense to finalize it in writing.
"In Kentucky, as in most states in the United States today, it's still completely legal to fire a person, to deny them housing, or refuse accommodation based on their sexual orientation or gender identity alone," said Bonnie Mayer, president of Northern Kentucky Fairness. The City of Dayton partnered with the organization to make the new law a reality.
Mayer said the unanimous vote was a beautiful show of support for the law.
"Being 12th in the state is great, but we're proving that 'ya'll' means all, and everyone's welcome in Dayton, Kentucky," said Baker.
