October 16, 2017 – City Council Special Committee on the Non-Discrimination Ordinance Meeting
On October 16, 2017, the Montevallo City Council special committee on the Non-Discrimination Ordinance met briefly to discuss the second draft of the NDO which was presented on June 12, 2017. According to the Shelby County Reporter, approximately a dozen individuals in opposition to the non-discrimination ordinance were the majority of the audience at the October 16th special committee meeting. Many individuals in attendance of the October 16th meeting were concerned about the religious aspect of the NDO, and the effect that amending the municipal code to protect minority classes may have upon the churches and religious organizations which exist in Montevallo.
During this time, the City of Birmingham had recently passed their non-discrimination ordinance in September of 2017. There were questions from community members about whether or not the Alabama State Legislature would intervene in the passage of the Birmingham non-discrimination ordinance, and subsequently, the Montevallo non-discrimination ordinance. Many individuals expressed concerns about an undue burden being placed upon businesses and the city as a whole if a legal debacle came from the proposition or passage of the non-discrimination ordinance. Due to these concerns, the City Council continued to wait to make a definitive decision regarding the non-discrimination amendment.
October 23, 2017 – Call for court team review by council member peterson
Following public concerns voiced by individuals and City Council members regarding the non-discrimination ordinance, City Council Member Jason Peterson spoke for the Non-Discrimination Ordinance Special Committee. He stated that they were currently reviewing a four page revision of the NDO. The next step in the process towards a vote on the ordinance was another review by the City’s legal team, which included the city attorney(s), municipal judge, prosecutor, and police chief.
Mayor Dr. Holly Cost reminded the public attendees and City Council members of a panel hosted by the University of Montevallo upcoming on December 4, 2017. This session would be informational, and would be highly structured with moderated questions, rather than an informal question and answer session. However, the event was open to the public and input from the public was welcomed. This was to be one of the final informational sessions where the community was able to provide their opinions for review by the City Council before a decision was to be made.