MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - At the July 23rd Township Board meeting Chapter 30, Article 2 of the Fair Housing Ordinance final adoption was approved 6 to 0.

The Board amended the existing Fair Housing Ordinance to prohibit discrimination against any person because of their sexual orientation, gender indignity or expression.

On October 1st the Board discussed and worked on drafting an ordinance to protect all people from employment discrimination.

"No matter if someone is a part of the LGBT Community or of a different race or religion, Meridian Township should be a welcoming and safe place to live," said Township Trustee Angela Wilson.

Trustee Milton L. Scales is opposed to the draft because he feels that the fine is not as severe as other discriminatory acts.

"Discrimination is an unsatisfactory behavior any place. Discrimination is wrong any time, and most of all discrimination is an unacceptable behavior against any person," said Township Trustee Milton L. Scales.

He went on to compare the proposed fines in the draft to those for race and gender, which are in the thousands.

In developing the draft the unity from ordinance was merged with the Township's existing ordinance, and some language form Delta Township's and East Lansing ordinances.

The Human Relations Ordinance will be back on the agenda for introduction on October 15th.