Hundreds gather for forum on gay rights in Berea

BEREA, Ky. (AP) — A public forum on a proposed ordinance in Berea that would prohibit discrimination against gays has drawn hundreds of residents.

The Richmond Register reported 275 people were allowed inside the Folk Center on Tuesday night for the forum; others listened on speakers outside the building.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reported supporters and opponents took turns speaking about the proposal before City Council members for nearly two hours.

The council held the first reading of its draft ordinance on Sept. 2. The second and final reading is scheduled for next month. If enacted, the city would become the eighth in Kentucky to pass a law aimed at protecting gays, bisexuals and transgendered people from discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations, according to The Fairness Campaign, which has lobbied for the measure.

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