Action Alert: Show Your Support for Equality in Mesa
We need your voice - speak up for the proposed Mesa non-discrimination ordinance
On Monday, February 22nd, the City of Mesa will introduce a new law to protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in public accommodations, employment, and housing. This non-discrimination ordinance is the result of years of community organizing and a healthy collaboration with the Mayor and City Council. It is a crucial step on the road to equality, and will have immediate benefits to the city and its people. Join Equality Arizona and One Community in supporting equality for all in Mesa
What You Can Do:
Sign up to speak in the city council meeting this Monday. We’ve prepared a guide to make this as simple as possible! Having this kind of vocal support for the non-discrimination ordinance will be key to its success. You’ll be able to call in from your home and watch the meeting online. Use the sample letter below to help guide your comments.
Contact the Mayor and City Councilmembers directly to voice your support.
Mayor John Giles | mayor@mesaaz.gov
Councilman Mark Freeman | District1@mesaaz.gov
Councilwoman Julie Spilsbury | District2@mesaaz.gov
Councilman Francisco Heredia | District3@mesaaz.gov
Councilwoman Jen Duff | District4mesaaz.gov
Councilman David Luna | District5@mesaaz.gov
Councilman Kevin Thompson | District6@mesaaz.gov
Once you’re done, forward this action alert to your friends in Mesa to get them on board in this vital effort.
A Sample Letter You Can Use:
Honorable Mayor and Council,
I’m writing in strong support of the proposed non-discrimination ordinance that would protect all in Mesa from discrimination, including LGBTQ people. Ensuring a Mesa that celebrates, respects and protects all people is not only the right thing to do, but it’s also good for the business of Mesa.
Simply put, protecting people from discrimination is about treating others as we want to be treated. This ordinance is about equal treatment, not special treatment. The principles of non-discrimination are rooted in core American values of fairness, equality, and opportunity. All hard-working people, including those who are LGBTQ, want to do their jobs and provide for their families. Nobody should have to live in fear that they can be legally fired, evicted from their homes, or kicked out of a store just for being who they are.
Unfortunately, without this ordinance, people and families can be denied housing or refused service at a business simply for being gay or transgender in Mesa. That's not only wrong, but it's also bad for the economic sustainability of Arizona. We can't afford to have barriers in place when it comes to attracting and retaining the top talent and business we need to succeed. Our regional competitors already have these protections in place, giving them a distinct advantage in recruitment and attraction.
In fact, 94% of Fortune 500 companies have non-discrimination policies that include sexual orientation and gender identity. If we wish to continue to attract and retain these companies, now is the time for Mesa to have a non-discrimination ordinance to match. It is not enough for these companies to have employment protections – they want their employees protected both in and out of the workplace.
It’s reassuring to know that non-discrimination ordinances aren’t a partisan issue. A 2018 poll by OH Predictive Insights showed that likely voters favored non-discrimination protections in employment, housing and public services at over 70%, and self-identified likely conservative voters favored those protections at over 50%.
Most importantly, all of us care about safety and privacy. Contrary to false arguments by the opposition, nothing about this ordinance changes the fact that it is illegal to enter a restroom or facility to harm or harass people or invade their privacy. Any predator who tries to enter a women’s facility would be subject to arrest and prosecution just as they are today. It’s important to know that over 300 cities across the U.S. have already implemented these types of ordinances with no increase in public safety incidents.
If we want to live in a place that remains competitive, attracts the very best talent, has a strong economy, and is a vibrant place to live, then we must also be open for business to everyone. Thank you to the Mayor and Council for studying this issue carefully and working with a broad array of stakeholders across our City to draft an ordinance that is fair for all of us in Mesa.