Currently in Galesburg it is perfectly legal to refuse to hire, to fire, and to deny housing or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation. A person denied housing, employment or public accommodations because of his or her sexual orientation has no legal recourse. As recent articles in Galesburg's Zephyr revealed, gays and lesbians have experienced such discrimination in Galesburg in the past.
Recently, 6 homosexual employees were fired from a residential facility for the mentally ill in Davenport, IA, solely on the basis of their sexual orientation. Roger Crow, their former employer, stated unequivocally and blithely without fear of legal retribution that their sexuality was the reason for their dismissal. This incident has provided sad proof that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is a very real problem, most importantly because in cities like Galesburg and Davenport, those discriminated against can do nothing about it. Again, they have no legal recourse ("Care Facility Fires 6 Workers for Being Gay," Associated Press, 6/9/97).
Under the current Galesburg Human Relations Ordinance, people do
have protection from these kinds of discrimination on the basis of
their race, gender, marital status, age, religion, disability and
military discharge status, but NOT sexual orientation.
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