JAX Chamber board passes resolution encouraging city council to pass anti-discrimination legislatio | Politics

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The JAX Chamber  Board of Directors passed a resolution today reaffirming the organization’s 1992 Declaration of Human Values and encouraging the Jacksonville City Council to pass  legislation that bans discrimination based on sexual orientation.

 Jacksonville has an ordinance in place that bans discrimination based on factors including race, gender and nationality.  The Jacksonville City Council is considering legislation to also ban discrimination based on sexual orientation. “This issue impacts our city and entire region’s ability to attract and retain talent and companies,” said Tom Van Berkel, JAX Chamber chair and chairman and CEO of The Main Street America Group. “An environment of perceived or actual discrimination places our city at risk as we compete with other communities for jobs and capital investment.” The Board agreed that prejudice cannot be tolerated in the community. “The JAX Chamber values all people and discourages discrimination in any form,” said JAX Chamber President Wally Lee. “We encourage the City Council to pass legislation that bans discrimination based on sexual orientation.”