Long Beach : Gay Anti-Bias Law Passed

Following a last-minute plea from Christian fundamentalists and others against a city ordinance banning employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, the Long Beach City Council gave final approval Tuesday to the new law. Councilman Edd Tuttle was the lone dissenter.

Unlike most of the recent hearings on the law--when supporters greatly outnumbered opponents--this last one had a greater number of opponents, many of whom were at the council meeting for a rezoning issue and either spoke, applauded or raised their hands to indicate opposition.

Also opposing the ordinance were a couple of church representatives, including Pastor Roger Cochran from the nondenominational Calvary Chapel in Long Beach. Cochran told the council that his congregation members “pray for every one of you” to make the right decision.

The ordinance, viewed as a civil rights law by proponents, becomes effective 30 days from Tuesday.