As the debate continues about expanding the Human Rights Ordinance in Jacksonville to include protections for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender citizens, what role should faith play in the conversation?
That was the topic Thursday of “Faith Matters,” which is WJCT’s quarterly program taking a closer look at today’s issues through the lens of faith.
In 2012, an expanded Human Rights Ordinance, which included protections for the LGBT community, went before the Jacksonville City Council. The ordinance divided the faith community. It wound up narrowly failing.
A similar bill was introduced last year, prompting Mayor Lenny Curry to hold several community meetings. But the ordinance was pulled before any council votes could take place. Supporters have said they will push to again see the HRO expansion approved in the near future.
The program was hosted by Kyle Reese, senior pastor of Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church and Nancy Broner, executive director of One Jax, an institute of the University of North Florida.
Their guests included former Jacksonville general counsel Cindy Laquidara, Florida Times-Union reporter David Bauerlein, Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner from the Jacksonville Jewish Center, business owner and ordained minister Reverend SuzanahRaffield and UNF professor of philosophy and religious studies Julie Ingersoll.
Producer Kevin Meerschaert can be reached at kmeerschaert@wjct.org, 904-358-6334 or on Twitter at @KMeerschaertJax
