RESOLUTION NO. RS2016-484

A resolution proclaiming that the citizens of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County will continue to welcome and to afford equal justice to all residents and visitors, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other protected status.

WHEREAS, Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County is home to individuals of many different races; and

WHEREAS, Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County is home to individuals of many different origins, cultures, traditions, and heritage; and

WHEREAS, Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County is home to individuals of many different faiths and degrees of faith; and

WHEREAS, sexual assault of any degree is both criminal and inexcusable under all circumstances; and

WHEREAS, the principles of our nation do not permit discrimination based upon sexual orientation or gender identity; and

WHEREAS, Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County supports the principles of transparent government and a free and open press.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County will continue to strive to afford equal justice under the law to all residents and visitors irrespective of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other protected status.

Section 2. Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County will act within its power to ensure Nashville remains an open and welcoming city to individuals of all races, colors, religions, national origins, gender identities, sexual orientations, and other demographic characteristics.

Section 3. Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County will continue to vigorously pursue justice in response to incidents of sexual misconduct.

Section 4. Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County will strive to offer greater transparency with respect to government functions and communications to ensure that the citizens of Davidson County are well-informed as to the workings of the government that serves them.

Section 5. This resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Dave Rosenberg, Russ Pulley, Jeff Syracuse, Nick Leonardo, Angie Henderson, DeCosta Hastings, Kathleen Murphy, Karen Johnson, Edward Kindall, Brenda Haywood, Bob Mendes, Larry Hagar, Fabian Bedne, Nancy VanReece, Freddie O'Connell, Sharon Hurt, Jeremy Elrod, Jason Potts, Sheri Weiner, Mina Johnson, Kevin Rhoten, Jim Shulman, Mary Carolyn Roberts, Colby Sledge, Michael Freeman, John Cooper, Brett Withers, Anthony Davis, Scott Davis, Robert Swope, Erica Gilmore, Doug Pardue, Bill Pridemore, Holly Huezo, Samuel Coleman, Davette Blalock, Burkley Allen, Jacobia Dowell, Tanaka Vercher