Salina city commissioners will vote today on an ordinance that would include sexual orientation and gender identity in the list of protected classes under Chapter 13 of the Salina City Code. Today’s meeting takes place at 4 p.m. at the Salina Community Theatre, 303 E. Iron.

The ordinance, which has proven to be a controversial issue, has been recommended for approval by the Salina Human Relations Commission.

The North Central Chapter of the Kansas Equality Coalition made a request at the Feb. 6 City Commission meeting to include sexual orientation and gender identity to the list of protected classes under Chapter 13 of the Salina City Code.

After discussion, the city commission directed the staff of the Human Relations Department to study the request and to hold public forums. The city commission also asked the Human Relations Commission to give a recommendation regarding including sexual orientation and gender identity to the covered classes under Chapter 13 of the City Code.

In addition to testimony at the Human Relations Commission meeting on Feb. 14, three public forums were held at the Salina Community Theater. Each commissioner from both the City Commission and the Human Relations Commission were offered videos of these forums.

The Human Relations Commission voted 7-1 to recommend the proposed amendment to be added to Chapter 13.