Midway passes Fairness Ordinance, protecting LGBT rights

MIDWAY, Ky. (WTVQ) – With a vote of 4-2, Midway became the 8th Kentucky city to adopt a Fairness Ordinance, which will prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.

Mayor Grayson Vandergrift led the meeting, where four council members cast votes in favor of preventing discrimination against LGBT people in their community.

"Midway has taken a bold step towards Fairness for all its residents tonight," shared Midway resident Cindy Batts. “Mayor Vandergrift reminded everyone of the alarming reality for most LGBT Kentuckians–they can still be legally fired from a job or denied housing or service if they are gay or transgender without state or federal civil rights protections. In Midway, that is now no longer the case."

Midway has now joined seven other Kentucky cities that have passed similar LGBT Fairness Ordinances, including Covington (2003), Danville (2014), the state capital Frankfort (2013), Lexington (1999), Louisville (1999), Morehead (2013), and the tiny Appalachian town of Vicco (2013).

The Fairness Coalition says it will continue its efforts to pass a similar Statewide Fairness Law that would apply to the entire Commonwealth of Kentucky.