The expansion of Jacksonville's human rights ordinance slated to be discussed at tonight's City Council meeting has an unusual coalition of support, including both liberal Democrats and members of the business community.
Those two groups were also key to Mayor Alvin Brown winning the office he's occupied for 10 months — but the mayor has yet to commit to a position on the legislation. That stance is generally seen as having at least some political motivation and is a decision that carries with it the possibility of political repercussions.
Such thoughts, the mayor said, haven't crossed his mind as he waits for the bill to land on his desk.
"I don't know about that," Brown said late last week, reiterating that he's still studying the matter and doesn't yet have an opinion on it.
"Council has to do its job," he said. "Let's get through the process."
The legislation will be publicly discussed tonight and then be taken up by two committees before returning for a final vote.
Among the political challenges the legislation raises: Brown's support in the African-American community.
As demonstrated most recently by President Barack Obama's support of same-sex marriage, gay rights are a divisive issue for evangelical black voters who normally lean Democratic.
Minority voters have "a very strong belief in a more traditional family," said the Rev. Tim Simpson, managing editor of the journal Political Theology and an instructor at the University of North Florida. "Both in African-American and Hispanic congregations, it's common to find pastors and congregations standing foursquare against gay rights."
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