A proposed ordinance that would expand anti-discrimination laws in Jacksonville, Florida to include gender identity or sexual orientation that some said could lead to the enactment of the transgender bathroom bill was withdrawn for lack of support.
"As a result, I have come to the decision that at this time, the City Council and many citizens of Jacksonville still have sincere questions and are not ready to move forward on this issue," said author and city council member Tommy Hazouri.
According to LifeSite News, on paper, the proposed measure would add "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to the city's Human Rights Ordinance but warned that it would lead to the bathroom bill, where transgenders would be allowed to use restrooms based on their gender identity.
But Hazouri said, "It is also critical that we make certain that the public understands that this is not a 'bathroom bill.'"
The report said granting more protections to LGBT would create new complaints to be filed with the Jacksonville Human Rights Commission.
Recently, a controversy arose when a man stripped in front of women in a locker room in Seattle and insisted that he had the right because of state law.
Hazouri said he plans "to take the next several months to continue working with the office of the General Counsel, further addressing the bill's effect on small businesses, religious organisations and public accommodations."
"The withdrawal of the Jacksonville bills represents another victory for families and religious liberty, both of which are under an unrelenting attack by the national LGBT machine," said Mat Staver, the founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel.
Last year, Liberty Counsel Senior Litigation Counsel Roger Gannam spoke in Florida and warned on the threat to privacy and religious liberty if the ordinance is passed.
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry supported his views.
"The law would have redefined 'male' and 'female' for all nurseries and preschools, even many church schools," Liberty Counsel said.
