What is a Virtual Human Rights Commission?
Since our Common Council has refused to allow South Bend's Human Rights Commission to investigate allegations of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, this is really the only place we have where those stories can be heard. It's our way of giving a voice to those who feel they've been discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
It should be noted that heterosexuality is also an orientation so a straight person could also be discriminated against on this status.
Also, since our Human Rights Ordinance includes perception, one doesn't actually have to be LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered) or heterosexual to be discriminated against.
Isn't it already illegal to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity?
Currently, it is perfectly legal to discriminate on that basis. Our Common Council has the power to rectify this situation but has refused to do so.
Does discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation actually exist?
According to the South Bend Human Rights Commission, it does. In January of 2005, they issued this statement:
"The South Bend Human Rights Commission is an agency of the City of South Bend, Indiana, committed to fair and equal treatment of all human beings. It is the responsibility and duty of the Human Rights Commission to make sure that no human being is mistreated based on status, without making value or moral judgments.
"Gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered (G,L,B&T) persons have experienced mistreatment based on their G,L,B&T status. The South Bend Human Rights Commission supports and encourages the South Bend Common Council to hear from the general public, to explore, investigate and to determine the degree to which G,L,B&T persons have been treated adversely within the City of South Bend due to their G,L,B&T status. The South Bend Human Rights Commission further encourages the South Bend Common Council, working cooperatively with the South Bend Human Rights Commission, to create an appropriate remedy."
Some in our community have tried to deny this, but the HRC statement clearly indicates this does exist.
What will we do for you?
We are simply here to give a voice to those who believe they've been discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. We have no authority to investigate, verify information or act on anyone's behalf.
If our Common Council were to amend South Bend's Human Rights Ordinance to include sexual orientation and gender identity, you could go to our Human Rights Commission and fill out their information request form. They would then conduct interviews and investigate the allegations. If those allegations can be substantiated, the HRC would work to mediate and reach concilliation.
What won't we do?
We won't post any names, either of those claiming discrimination or those who have been accused. The exception to this would be stories gathered that have already been verified by other sources.
What type of stories will we post?
We will post stories of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in the areas of employment, education, public accommodation and housing.
How do you tell your story?
You can email your story to info@sbequality.org where we will review it and edit out any identifying information before posting.
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In January, 2005, our Human Rights Commission issued a statement noting that "persons have experienced mistreatment based on their GLBT status". They asked the Common Council "to create an appropriate remedy." We're still waiting. Our Council has refused to give their citizens a place to take their stories, so we will. If you've been discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, email us info@sbequality.org. We will give you a voice. Your name will not be posted.
