Dubuque is the latest city to add protections for gays to its human rights ordinance. The Dubuque City Council passed an amendment to their human rights ordinance that will add an exemption for religious education institutions for employment and makes it illegal to deny anyone housing, employment, credit, education or service based on sexual orientation.
The vote was 6-1 with very little discussion. The lone “NO” vote was from councilwoman Pat Cline who has always been opposed to the measure. Cline says she feels that it should be a legislative matter and that the vote gives special protection to people who choose a different lifestyle. Dubuque Mayor Roy Boul says the amended ordinance will go into effect as soon as possible.