Mayor Announces Pro-LGBT Measures, Proposes Stronger Non-Discrimination Ordinances for Stamford

Citing Stamford’s rich diversity, Mayor David Martin announced a series of initiatives on Tuesday to make the city more LGBT-friendly and accessible for all residents.

Martin is focusing on the need to update city non-discrimination ordinances and provide for better accessibility of city government for LGBT residents. The announcement is part of the Martin’s agenda to improve accessibility of city government for all residents, and to further embrace and protect the diversity of the Stamford community.

“The actions announced today underscore our shared commitment to making Stamford more open, accessible and welcoming to all residents, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Martin said in a statement. “This is an opportunity to reaffirm Stamford’s role as a leading city and make progress on an important issue.”

As part of his initiative, Martin is proposing revisions to three city ordinances that would strengthen protections for LGBT employees, ensure that city contractors maintain non-discrimination policies based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and clarify the powers of the city’s Social Services Commission to ensure they have the power to enforce LGBT-related violations in the Code of Prohibited Discriminatory Practices, according to the announcement released by Martin’s office. Links to the proposed ordinances can be found on the Board of Representatives website.

The proposed ordinances have been referred to the Board of Representatives Legislative & Rules Committee for consideration.

“As Chair of the Legislative & Rules Committee of the Board of Representatives, I am very pleased to bring these items to the committee and lead them forward to approval. Stamford should always treat employees and other members of our community with respect and equality. That’s what this city represents,” city Rep. Eileen Heaphy said in a statement.

Martin also announced the appointment of two LGBT liaisons to ensure concerns of LGBT residents can be heard and acted upon. Liaisons also may provide the mayor and police chief with additional recommendations for supporting openness, acceptance, and inclusiveness within the Stamford community. Deputy Corporation Counsel Vikki Cooper will serve as LGBT Liaison to the Mayor and that Capt. Tom Wuennemann will serve as the LGBT Liaison in the Stamford Police Department.

“The Stamford Police Department is committed to strengthening relationships and improving communication between the Department and the LGBT community. We are dedicated to educating the department as a whole while also being a resource for the community,” Police Chief Jonathan Fontneau said in a statement.

“The Office of Public Safety, Health and Welfare looks forward to partnering with City departments and outside agencies to ensure that individuals are not discriminated against or harassed based on sexual orientation or gender identity. We will work together to ensure the LGBT community is given a voice in Stamford,” Director of Public Safety, Health and Welfare Ted Jankowski said in a statement.

Martin’s initiatives received strong support from the LGBT community.

In a statement, Anthony Crisci, Executive Director of the Triangle Community Center, said, “Triangle Community Center is delighted that Mayor Martin is taking a bold lead in standing up for the LGBT community. The proposed revisions to these three city ordinances will not only protect LGBT employees, but will also maintain fairness with city contractors, strengthen current protections, and help ensure that LGBT community is protected in Stamford.”

Crisci added, “TCC looks forward to working with the City of Stamford to provide access to services that build true equality in peoples’ everyday lives. These changes recognize that the LGBT community has unique needs, and still face discrimination and stigma. The City of Stamford now has a ground game to help establish everyday equality for the LGBT community in Stamford.”

These initiatives are a continuation of Martin’s efforts to improve access for residents and to celebrate the diversity of the community. Earlier this year appointed the Access 4 All Committee, a committee of city staff and residents working together to improve access to city resources for people with disabilities. He also has been a strong supporter of Stamford’s Sister City partnerships, having recently returned from a Sister City visit to Lima, Peru and having forged a new Sister City partnership with Pune, India.

Contributed photo: Mayor David Martin.