To:  The Lawrence City Commission

Fr:  Lawrence Human Relations Commission

Re:  Recommendation on Gender Identity

On March 10, 2009, the Lawrence City Commission received a request from the Kansas Equality Coalition (KEC) to consider adding Gender Identity as a protected class under Chapter X of the City Code.  The item was referred to the Lawrence Human Relations Commission (LHRC) for a recommendation.

The request was introduced to the LHRC at the May 21^st quarterly meeting.  At the meeting, LHRC commissioners held off voting and requested more explanatory information on gender identity from the Lawrence Human Relations Department staff.  Members of the public, including representatives of the KEC were present for public comment. 

On June 18^th two LHRC commissioners and three LHRD staff members attended a public forum and screening of the documentary, Call Me Malcolm.  The forum and documentary focused on Gender Identity.  Approximately 20 people attended the forum, including members of the KEC.

At the quarterly LHRC meeting on August 20, 2009, commissioners requested additional time to gather public input and background information before voting on a recommendation.  The Commission received public comment, and members of the KEC spoke in favor of the requested amendments.

The LHRC hosted a public forum on Gender Identity in the City Commission chambers on August 29, 2009.  Approximately 25 persons attended the meeting and many provided public comment, including members of the KEC; the majority of the persons that spoke on the issue spoke in favor of amending the City Code to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity.

At the quarterly LHRC meeting on November 19th, 2009, LHRC addressed the proposed action on gender identity.  There were approximately 13 people in attendance, including a representative of KEC who provided comment; the majority of the persons that spoke on the issue opposed amending the City Code to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity.  The LHRC publicly discussed the issue and then voted.  Three commissioners were in favor and six were opposed.

In accordance with the vote taken on November 19, 2009, the Lawrence Human Relations Commission does not recommend adding Gender Identity as a protected class under Chapter X of the City Code.