 120 of the forum participants stayed after the deliberations and filled out the Post-

Forum Questionnaire;
 Almost everyone, 96%, agreed that “all people, regardless of their gender identity or
sexual orientation deserve to feel and be safe, supported and affirmed;”
 Nearly as many, 91%, said that “all people, regardless of their gender identity or
sexual orientation are entitled to fair and equitable treatment in places of
businesses and housing;”
 78% strongly favored enacting a non-discrimination ordinance;
 71% said we should provide more educational opportunities regarding LGBTQ
issues and concerns;
 68% strongly favored the establishment of some sort form of local “Human Rights
Commission;”
 54% thought it was a good idea to highlight and recognize businesses that support
the rights of all individuals;
 53% strongly agreed that “individuals should not be isolated or labeled as bigots
based on their religious beliefs;”
 Interestingly, 72% of those surveyed also said that they strongly disagreed with the
notion that “opening up public restroom accommodations to transgender people
creates real safety issues for women and children;”
 Also worthy of note is the fact that 57% disagreed strongly that “business owners
should have the freedom to make decisions regarding who to serve and not serve
based on their religious beliefs;”
 What’s more, 79% strongly opposed the idea that “the City of Montevallo should
remain neutral or silent regarding issues protecting individuals on the basis of their
race, age, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity EVEN IF it means that some
members of our community are being isolated or ostracized;”
 Also informative was the finding that 84% of those who completing the
questionnaire left with the same opinions they brought to the event. Looking at this
another way, the forum may have actually changed the way 16% of those in
attendance felt about at the issues.
All in all, it seems this event was a tremendous success. While it didn’t change a lot of
minds, it gave everyone an opportunity to express their feelings, as well as better
understand the feelings of others. It also helped to underscore the issues at hand and
highlight a preferred path forward. Clearly, a non-discrimination ordinance of some sort is
the way the overwhelming majority of those at the forum want to go. Of course, they did
not weigh in on the specifics of that ordinance, except to say that it needed to protect the
rights of all, including members of the LBGTQ community.

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Of course, there were also those at the forum, around 12%, who opposed enacting any laws
or taking any action to protect LGBTQ rights. While a clear minority at the forum, these
folks expressed a point of view which is no doubt shared by many more in our community –
for religious and a variety other reasons. Even so, based on the survey results, the forum
was nearly equally divided by those over 40 years of age versus those under 40 (48% to
52% respectively) and was generally diverse according to race (78% Caucasian, 13%
African American and 2.5% Hispanic). Therefore, the results of the forum provide a
reasonably fair representation of the sentiments of our community at-large. Moreover, the
forum was widely promoted and everyone wishing to participate in the deliberations had
an equal opportunity to do so. In addition, as was questioned by a couple of folks in
attendance, the vast majority of the forum participants were locals (including UM students)
– not rabble rousers bussed in to skew the results of our deliberations.

As a result, it seems clear that the next step should be to reconsider some sort of Non-
Discrimination Ordinance. Several at the forum suggested the City use the ordinance
recently adopted by Birmingham as a guide. Of course, we also have the version proposed
by the Montevallo Acceptance Project to consider. My suggestion would be to assign a
Council Committee to review possible alternatives and draft a version that meets our
community’s needs.

While perhaps not opposing the idea of an ordinance outright, a number of individuals at
the forum were concerned with the specific requirements or limitations of such a law. As
such, it may be a good idea to hold another community-wide forum to deliberate the pros
and cons of the actual ordinance under consideration by the council.

For a more in-depth view of the results of the forum, you may also want to consider the
notes taken during the three breakout sessions:
 Difficult to write a constitutionally sound law that is fair to everyone. Better to focus
on relationships.
 Federal law already covers other groups. This law would add more groups to those
which are not already protected.
 Without laws in place to protect everyone’s rights, discrimination will occur.
 Easier to enforce laws at the local level.
 Are there examples of individual’s being discriminated against in our community? The
answer was yes!
 Members of the LGBTQ community expressed the fear of revealing their true identity
and living open lives due to fear of discrimination.

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 Passing a law will let people in Montevallo know our community welcomes everyone,
regardless of who they are.
 There was some concern expressed regarding bathrooms and sexual predators.
 Many times people feel different because they allow themselves to feel that way – not
the community’s fault.
 Adding another law could encourage more frivolous lawsuits against local businesses.
 New laws won’t eliminate discrimination. We need to stop making new laws and better
enforce what we already have.
 Just because we are different doesn’t mean we are each other’s enemy.
 Why shouldn’t there be a law protecting LGBTQ rights? Without legal protection, these
individuals do not have any legal standing.
 Ultimately, we will have to educate people to change their hearts and minds.
 A law is an important signal to the members of the LGBTQ community that they are
equals in our community.
 Members of the LGBTQ community don’t want to be treated equal – they want to be
treated special!
 A new law isn’t meant to persecute Christians or be anti-Christian.
 In Montevallo, we accept all people. This law would simply protect the equal rights of
all of us.
 A law needs to be in place because that is the only way we can achieve lasting change.
 It is unfair to suggest that members of the LGBTQ community are asking to be treated
special, just like members of the African-American community who support Black Lives
Matter are not asking to be special.
 The truth is many members of the LGBTQ community don’t feel as if they are treated
equally. We are all human and we should all be respected and accepted for who we
are.
 If the world was as reasonable and accepting as most of us in the room, we probably
wouldn’t need any anti-discrimination laws. Unfortunately, there are those who are
not here tonight who are not like us. Laws protect us all equally, no matter who we
are.
 We need to look at the non-discrimination ordinance passed by Birmingham as an
example.
 There were questions about which court would have jurisdiction over a new law. It
was suggested it would start at the local level and progress from there.
 Complaints would require proof and evidence to be supported.
 What happened to the Bible? Homosexuality is a sin!
 We need the same protections in place for everyone!
 Who would decide if someone was discriminated against?
 Passing a new law will only increase polarity in our community.

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 Some of the comments tonight seem to suggest that LGBTQ people are not normal.
That is not true. We are just like everyone else and we want the ability to be open
about who we are and who we love without the fear of consequences.
 This is not a lifestyle choice – this is how we were born!
 The ADA provides these sorts of protections to the disabled. Without the ADA, life for
disabled individuals would be much more difficult. Even with the ADA, it still takes
time for things to change completely. As an example, our city is just now, finally adding
ADA compliant sidewalks and streets in our downtown.
 Promoting equal rights for all is also an important economic development tool. More
and more companies recognize the importance of this and only want to locate in
communities which respect the rights of all.
 If members of the LGBTQ community are not discriminated against, why do we need a
new law?
 We had to enact the Civil Rights Act before racially biased mindsets and divisions
began to improve in Alabama. Because of the law, we are a much different place today
than we were before.
 Choosing any option other than a new law simply means that we are keeping the
conversation going without affecting any real change.
 Perhaps we could adopt the law on a trial run basis for a year and see how it works.
 If the law was passed, what psychological or physical harm would it cause to those
who say they oppose it? NONE!
 What was the point in passing the Civil Rights Act if laws don’t make a difference?
 There is a real problem that needs to be solved. An ordinance is the only way to do
that.
 It is sad that there are preachers in this community who will not stand up for the word
of God.
 The laws against racial discrimination have changed us in Alabama and the same
protections need to be extended to LGBTQ individuals.
 The law protects everyone regardless of their religious beliefs.
 When you talk about oppression, you need to listen to the voices of the oppressed.
 It is not a bad thing to have a law that says all people are created equal, no matter
what their gender identity or sexual orientation is.
 Who would this proposed law hurt?
 There are exceptions in place in these types of laws for religious institutions.
 An ordinance will tell people unfamiliar with Montevallo that we are different – we are
an accepting community.
 An ordinance is a way to formally honor our fellow human beings. We want everyone
in our community to feel 100% safe and free of discrimination of every kind.
 Why are we hesitant to respect other people as fellow human beings?

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  Opposition’s Rights
 Clarity
 False Accusations
 Religious Convictions
 Freedom Protections
 Afraid of Being Discriminatory
 Concern of Labels
 Commission
 Things getting out of control
 Changes in leadership effecting Commission (bias)
 Overkill
 Being perceived as “hateful”
 Promoting equality
 “Second Hand Citizen”
 Substance
 Nice community, but not nice people
 Codifies
 Avenue for recourse
 “Gives it teeth”
 Safe
 Open dialogue
 Being aware
 Recourse
 Easy to ignore
 Concerns won’t get voiced
 No Recourse
 Can’t get information
 Inherent bias
 Policing Ourselves
 More Information
 Overcoming Misinformation

You may also want to consider the comments by one of the moderators:

Buddy, I thought the community deliberative forum went well on the whole--at least in my
group. Based on this group’s discussion, I do think there is a need for further education about
the current status of LGBT rights in our state and nation. (See explanation in the summary
below). Here is a summary of my thoughts and impressions of our group experience:

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Expressions of good will for the LGBTQ community
Almost everyone seemed generally supportive of the LGBTQ community. Many pointed to
personal friendships and bonds with others of differing gender identities. Others identified as
straight LGBTQ allies.

Doubts that an Ordinance is Needed or that an Ordinance would help

However, the group seemed divided over whether or not an ordinance is needed or whether or
not it would be helpful.

Some were doubtful that discrimination actually exists, and some expressed fears that an
ordinance would create tensions that do not presently exist. This last point was countered by
references to the Americans with Disabilities Act, stating that the ADA was clearly needed.
It was acknowledged that people are sometimes irritated by the regulations in the Disabilities
Act, but on the other hand, it was generally acknowledged that the ADA changed the culture
in our country toward an acceptance of citizens with disabilities in the workplace. It was
stated that the ADA has changed people's attitudes and opened up avenues that did not exist
before. Presumably the LGBTQ ordinance would have a similar effect.

Are Current Laws and Regulations Adequate?

Some maintained that current laws such as the ERA presently prevent discrimination in
housing, services, etc. Others maintained that these laws do not protect the LGBT community.
However, there was never a clear rebuttal to the claim that non- discrimination laws
for the LGBTQ community are already in place. I think further education on this
question is needed. It might be good to distribute portions of something like the
Wikipedia article on “LGBTQ Rights in the United States to clarify the issue of existing
protections.

Others spoke of the positive changes in the status of African American and other minorities
which followed the ERA and positive Supreme Court Decisions . These changes spoke to the
need for an ordinance to similarly protect the LGBT community.

Role of Religion in the Discussion:

On the whole, everyone spoke civilly and respectfully, though there were a few more strident
voices. Unfortunately, these combative views were couched in references to God's will, the
words of the Bible, and to Christianity.

13
However, it seemed that most of those who spoke from a religious framework, acknowledge
that Christ's emphasis on love and forgiveness should prevail in some fashion when dealing
with LGBTQ issues.

Several speakers tried to reframe the argument in more secular language, with references to
the enlightenment and to 18th c. humanism, the founding fathers, and the like.

Developing Consensus??
I had the impression that at the end of our session, there was a developing consensus that
favored an ordinance. Some asked how an ordinance would harm those who opposed
regulation. Some asked for the specific language of the ordinance, and they were referred to
the city website, with the notation that the actual ordinance would be modified by the results
of the deliberative forum and any follow up sessions.

Thanks, and Guardedly Hopeful??

I, and I am sure others, very much appreciate the work of the Montevallo Acceptance Project
and the City of Montevallo. I am hopeful that a successful conclusion may be in sight.

Finally, you may want to review the tabulated results of the questionnaires themselves:

City of Montevallo Critical Issues Forum

Community Inclusivity Post-Forum Questionnaire

NOW THAT YOU’VE HAD a chance to participate in a forum on this issue, we’d like to know
what you are thinking. Your opinions, along with those of others who participated in these
forums, will be reflected in a summary report that will be available to all citizens, including those
who took part in the forums, as well as officeholders, members of the news media, and others in
our community.

1. To what degree to you agree or disagree with the statements below?

strongl somewha somewha strongly not
y t agree t disagre sure
agree disagree e
All people, regardless of their gender 96% 3% 0% 0% 1%
identity or sexual orientation deserve to feel
and be safe, supported and affirmed.

All people, regardless of their gender 91% 6% 3% 0% 0%

identity or sexual orientation are entitled to
fair and equal treatment in places of

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business and housing.

Business owners should have the freedom 19% 8% 11% 57% 4%

to make decisions regarding who to serve
and not serve based on their religious
beliefs

Individuals should not be isolated or 53% 24% 10% 8% 5%

labeled as bigots based on their religious
beliefs.

Opening up public accommodations to 13% 5% 9% 72% 2%

transgender people creates real safety
issues for women and children.

2. To what degree do you favor or oppose each of these actions?

strongl somewha somewha strongly not
y favor t favor t oppose oppose sure
The City of Montevallo should enact a non- 78% 8% 3% 9% 1%
discrimination ordinance that protects the
rights of individuals based on sexual
orientation or gender identity regarding free
and unfettered access to housing,
employment and public accommodations
EVEN IF there is the possibility the state
may enact legislation making this action
obsolete in the future.

The City of Montevallo should form a 68% 18% 2% 6% 5%

human rights commission to provide
mediation when an individual feels his/her
rights have been violated in a place of
business based on his/her race, religion,
sexual orientation, gender identity or age.

The Montevallo community should provide 71% 13% 8% 5% 5%

more education regarding issues related to
sexual orientation and gender identity
EVEN IF some members of the community
directly oppose this education.

The Montevallo community should highlight 54% 21% 6% 11% 8%

and recognize businesses that support the
rights of all individuals.

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 strongl somewha somewha strongly not
y favor t favor t oppose oppose sure
The City of Montevallo should remain 5% 3% 6% 79% 2%
neutral or silent regarding issues protecting
individuals on the basis of their race, age,
religion, sexual orientation or gender
identity EVEN IF it means that some
members of our community are being
isolated or ostracized.

3. During this forum did you talk about aspects of this issue that you had not considered
before?
30% Yes 70% No
If so, please explain:
 -Was brought by my wife, I didn’t know about ordinance idea until tonight, good
idea.
 -People being misunderstood as discriminatory when they are not.
 -Sincerity of the opposition
 -The importance of a non-discrimination law was made clearer, both on a
symbolic level and at the level of pragmatic legal recourse.
 -Although some oppose this ordinance, would it cause them any harm or change
them in any way if ordinance was passed.
 -Some peoples interpretation of what is acceptable behavior is different. The
interpretations often had relevance to their religious convictions which is not part
of state workings. Should not be.
 -(No)But I have thought about this for a long time.
 -View points that I strongly oppose were voiced and elaborated upm.
 -The positive aspect of civil rights legislation has made a difference in our civil
life. Similar legislation protecting LGBTQ persons could benefit these persons
and all of the community.
 -They spoke of the positive benefits it would have on our economy industry,
which I hadn’t considered before.
 -I talked about what would it actually change if you don’t discriminate.
 -Those opposed felt that laws are complicated and no more are needed. Another
perspective is that laws should not protect sin or what is sinful. There was
passion and hatred even as those opposed continued to sat they have gay
children and friends. Having gay children does not protect you from being a bigot.
 -(No)The fact that many people do not know that LGBTQ rights are actually not
legally protected under civil rights.
 -Wording that is problematic to religious groups
 -This ordinance could be important and helpful to attract business.
 -I had not heard concerns from business owners or organizations regarding
implementations.
 -If I agree, I discover tonight why.
 -(No)But I do think it was a good event
 -Anger
 -I was surprised by the anger from some.

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  -We talked about the economic benefits and drawbacks that could potentially
affect the city.
 -(No)I am not particularly sympathetic to the idea that it is important to maintain a
business’s right to discriminate against the LGBTQ community.
 -Forming small groups would be awesome for discussing the humanity of LGBTQ
people.
 -Religion and beliefs
 -I have learned a lot about this matter.
 -(No) I listened and did not participate in the discussion. I was not comfortable
sharing in a large group.
 -Hearing those with strongly held beliefs asking to not be spoken as if they hate
LGBTQ individuals.
 -I wasn’t aware how adamantly people believe that their god is in charge of
everyone.
 -Yes there were some things that were discussed that I had not heard before.
 -(No) But I talked with a young lady and it was informative.
 -That there are no protection to the LGBTQ community

4. Were there ideas or proposals that you tended to favor coming into the forum about which
you now have second thoughts?
11% Yes 84% No
If so, please explain:
 Equality obviously
 I overestimated the importance of potential backlash; this band-aid needs to be
ripped off; no one stands to be hurt. It became apparent that Christian
organizations are plenty equipped to accommodate this ordinance.
5. What can citizens, working together, do in our community to ensure that all people feel and
are safe and included regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity?
 Enact an expanded non-discrimination law.
 Everyone needs to be equal
 We need to educate our community about LGBTQ community, Montevallo needs
to be inclusive of everyone. Social outreach and engagement.
 Pass the law, it helps protect more people.
 Ordinance seems like a straight forward first step.
 Agree to the NDO
 Share views
 Education and media coverage
 Compromising there is no need for hate and bigotry rising out of fear
 Enact NDO
 Become more educated and communicate
 Pass this ordinance
 We can attempt to find common ground and provide comprehensive education
for everyone and make it available for everyone in the community regardless of if
they don’t agree

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  Pass the ordinance and education
 Educate themselves, meet people that seem like foreigners
 Educate LGBTQ issues
 Promote education, promote diversity, insure equality
 Respect each other as human beings. Don’t let your mindset move you to harm
another because of a disagreement in personal values.
 Accept everyone for who they are, everyone is human.
 Be honest, be open, speak up and educate ourselves and others without biased
or religious perception.
 Raise public awareness and establish safe spaces
 Make sure that organizations exist to support people, ensure that outreach
occurs and try to make connections between people in need and
people/organizations that offer support/assistance.
 Pass a protection ordinance, create communities, educate all in the community
and possibly honor businesses and other institutions respecting all humans
rights.(i.e. door stickers)
 Pass the ordinance that protects LGBTQ people as well as the other groups
already protected.
 Increase education there is a great deal of misinformation and bias
 Possibility future facilitated discussions groups, possibly more educational
sessions on LGBTQ issues.
 The issues need to be clarified
 If people could just treat everyone like a human being and not so strongly push
against people that they want to stereotype. Educating one another would be a
long step for this.
 In addition to community education and acceptance we should pass the non-
discrimination ordinance that protects and supports the LGBTQT community
legally

6. Please list anything you feel is important to share regarding this issue that is not included
on this survey.
 Passing an ordinance will be an amazing accomplishment for the Montevallo
Community. Make Montevallo a destination place for people to move to. It will
only help bring new people, and much needed diversity and inclusion.
 A young woman was directly addressed based on her clothing and was not
stopped by the mediators (Room 103)
 A young woman was harassed by a community member during the discussion
and the mediator allowed it. I am disgusted by this action and will be taking my
complaint to City Hall. (Room103)
 There are laws protecting all sorts of people, even thought people in this
community “treat all people alike” meaning these laws are also unnecessary. But
they exist nevertheless. What not having an ordinance for LGBTQ people says to
them and me, that they aren’t worthy of protection. Not true.
 Remember that personal beliefs/values are subjective! There is no set standard
of right and wrong in the world of morality. Ethics 101.

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  Secularly speaking not everyone is of the same religion nor does everyone have
the same beliefs and that why it is important to realize religion can not be a part
of this. People can not be forced to believe one thing.
 I feel that a lot of people were referenced as having the ability to change who
they are. We can not change people. We can not fall into fascist and or zealot
notions.
 It will be impossible to achieve 100% agreement on this topic. It is important to do
what is morally important and is also reflective of the general level in society is
become more open and inclusive socially. Some people will never accept this.
The majority of people in this room are in support of inclusive ordinances.
 People need a law like this. It only helps, could literally save lives.
 At this time there is no legal recourse for an individual who man be discriminated
against in the workplace publicly or domestically. We must create the legal
president for such recourse.

7. How many forums of this type have you attended in the past?
46% 0 36% 1-3 48% 4 or more

8. Please select your age.

2% Under 18 36% 18-25 19% 25-40 48% Over 40

9. What is your race/ethnicity?

0% Asian American 13% Black/African American 2.5% Hispanic/Latino

2.5% Native American 78% White/Caucasian 0%

Other _____________

5% Prefer not to respond

10. What issue(s) would you like to see addressed in future community forums?
 LGBTQ
 Hearing more stories from those discriminated against, and hearing feedback and
advice from other towns, cities, and communities that have passed similar
ordinances.
 Sex education
 Bullying/hate crimes, environmental justice in Montevallo

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