We, the business owners of Ocean Springs, MS, as depicted by the attached signatures, request the consideration and approval by the Mayor and Alderman of Ocean Springs of the attached anti-discrimination resolution. This resolution specifically rejects discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, sexual orientation, family status, veteran status, disability or source of income.

While we are aware that Ocean Springs has recently approved a more generic equality resolution, we believe it is vitally important to pass an anti-discrimination resolution which meets the standards of the Human Rights Campaign(HRC). In passing this resolution, Ocean Springs will join the ranks of Starkville, Hattiesburg, Greenville, Magnolia, Bay St Louis and Oxford, all of which have passed similar resolutions which are specific in language about the groups they do not discriminate against.

We ask your consideration and approval of this most important resolution.

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, diversity is a critical component of a thriving, successful city; and,

WHEREAS, tolerance and acceptance will strengthen Ocean Springs as a community, deepening bonds between neighbors and fostering a welcoming environment; and,

WHEREAS, a commitment to diversity will enhance the local economy, creating a positive, forward-thinking environment that will help attract business and create jobs; and,

WHEREAS, in today’s world discrimination occurs far too often on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, age, marital status, sexual orientation, family status, veteran status, disability and source of income;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Ocean Springs declare it the policy of the City to reject discrimination of any kind and to respect the inherent worth of every person, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, sexual orientation, family status, veteran status, disability or source of income, this the 3rd day of June, A.D., 2014.

ConnieMoran, Mayor

Bobby Cox, Alderman At-large

John Gill, Ward 1

Matt McDonnell, Ward 2

Chip Cody, Ward 3

Greg Denyer, Ward 4

Jerry Dalgo, Ward 5

Michael Impey II, Ward 6