DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) – The De Pere alderman who proposed an anti-discrimination ordinance that is set to take effect Thursday reacts to a lawsuit filed against the measure.
The group of five churches and a radio station that filed suit say they want an exemption included for religious organizations.
“State statute that defines public accommodation. If they’re a non-profit religious organization, they’re not considered a place of public accommodation.”
Alderman Casey Nelson says churches have that state protection, in addition to language written in the city’s measure.
“There’s a specific stipulation in our ordinance that says places of faith can select employees who share the same faith or same denomination.”
The plaintiffs say this is an example of the state interfering with the church.
Meanwhile, a UW-Green Bay professor gives an informational presentation at De Pere City Hall, in connection with the anti-discrimination ordinance.
Stacie Christian is asked if there should be an exemption.
“It’s very hard to tell churches who they can marry or not marry. I don’t know of too many places that would do that in the United States.”
Christian is the director of UW-GB’s Inclusive Excellence and Pride Center.
