Petitjean pledges support for LGBT protections

For Immediate Release – October 4, 2007

Petitjean Pledges Support for LGBT Protections
Denounces Incumbent’s “No” Vote on Human Rights Ordinance Amendment

Kathleen Petitjean, Green Party candidate for South Bend’s 1st District Common Council seat today pledged to sponsor a renewed attempt at amending the city’s Human Rights Ordinance (HRO) to include sexual orientation and gender identity. She sharply criticized her opponent, incumbent Derek Dieter, for casting a vote against the amendment proposal that came before the Common Council in July of 2006. The proposed amendment was defeated by a 5-4 margin.

“Less than 100 years ago I, as a woman, could not vote much less run for office, “ said Petitjean, who is attempting to become the first woman ever to represent the 1st District.  “In 1924 there were riots with Notre Dame students fighting the KKK. South Bend needs to get on the right side of history and stay true to its legacy of being at the forefront of the civil rights movement.”

Petitjean noted that South Bend had a “Human Relations Commission” that predated the 1964 federal Civil Rights Act by roughly 8 years. This Human Relations Commission was eventually re-named the Human Rights Commission and solidified by city ordinance in 1973.

Besides civil rights concerns, Petitjean said that an HRO amendment is in line with the protections many businesses are establishing and that re-locating businesses would want to ensure their employees find South Bend a welcoming environment.

“Let’s be clear about this – LGBT people are part of our community. They should feel welcomed and protected from discrimination, “ said Petitjean.  “It’s the right thing to do ethically and it will show prospective individuals, families, and businesses that South Bend is a forward-thinking city.”

Petitjean contrasted her unequivocal support for LGBT protections with the incumbent’s vote against the amendment on the grounds that its definitions of sexual orientation and gender identity were too “vague.” These very same definitions, Petitjean emphasized, are used in dozens of similar pieces of legislation around the country without any confusion.

“I, along with many of my friends and neighbors across the district, was shocked at Mr. Dieter’s vote, “ said Petitjean. “I would have never expected him to resort to such political posturing given his reputation for plain-speaking.”

“What was perhaps most disappointing was the idea that he took for granted the character and progressivism of his constituents,” said Petitjean. “Our district is very diverse, and has many LGBT families. I firmly believe that Mr. Dieter’s vote did not represent our district but instead represented a political calculation.”

South Bend’s 1st District has had only one Republican candidate since 1991. Petitjean is attempting to be both the 1st female councilperson and first Green to represent the 1st district.