KOKOMO, Ind. -- The Kokomo City Council voted Monday to expand civil rights protections to LGBT individuals.
The council's 5-4 vote came after a contentious meeting in the council chambers.
"I have declined weddings for heterosexual couples over the years that I've been in business, but it makes me a target," said one speaker opposed to the ordinance. "I'm sorry this ordinance makes me a target for saying no to a gay couple and losing my viability.
Supporters compared the proposal to the black Civil Rights movement.
"If we look back at our history 60 years ago, we were having these same discussions over water fountains, bathrooms and restaurants," a supporter said. "We do not want to repeat that history. We need to make history by promoting equality."
The ordinance will receive a second reading on March 14. If the council approves it again, it could be signed into law.
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