Tampa passes transgender human right ordinance

Tampa, Florida -- Transgender people are now protected under the Tampa Human Rights Ordinance. The City Council voted 5 to 1 on Thursday to bring that group under the law. It was a contentious meeting, as both sides made passionate pleas.

Those in favor of the ordinance said it was a simple matter of human rights. Those opposed said it was a homosexual issue, a bathroom issue and an issue that could lead to child molestation.

Both sides quoted the Bible, the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and even the Pledge of Allegiance.

One person, Robert Kitrell told council it was an economic issue and that if the ordinance passed, it would hurt tourism, because families would not be safe here.

Martha Cook disagreed, saying her pastor said he didn't see how any group could deny any person or child of God legal or human rights that are given to others.

Terry Temple, who led an e-mail campaign to defeat the ordinance says the issue is one of discrimination... but he says it discriminates against people like him, who believe the Bible means exactly what it says.

Opponents warned the ordinance would turn Tampa into a Sodom and Gomorrah. The Reverend W. James Favor told council it would give sex offenders an opportunity to molest children as they cross the line at their convenience.

But Vietnam veteran Janice Carney says that's rubbish. Carney, who was in the service as a man, says she has no desire to go into women's restrooms or to harass little children. She says it is deeply insulting to hear people say something like that about transgender people.

Many ministers, including several from predominately African America Churches, spoke passionately against the ordinance. But Council Chair Rev. Tom Scott who is the senior pastor at the 34^th Street Church of God, said he felt compelled to vote for the measure.

Scott says the ordinance is,  "What this country and democracy are all about, freedom not to be discriminated against."

Rev. Scott made a point to say in more than 10 years in public office, he has never voted for gay friendly bill, but he says the ordinance is the right thing. 

For Scott, who is planning on running for mayor, it was a bold move. He said he was sorry for those who thought they could intimidate him and says there is an election coming up.

According to Scott, the only vote he cares about is God's vote.