Gay rights bill passes Senate, on way to Guinn’s desk

Scott Reeder

Friday, May 21, 1999 | 10:51 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Nevada employers would not be allowed to discriminate against gay people when they hire, fire or promote under a bill that passed the Senate late Thursday night.

Assembly Bill 311 already has passed the Assembly, and its next stop is Gov. Kenny Guinn's desk. Guinn's Chief of Staff Pete Ernaut said Guinn supports the legislation.

Assemblyman David Parks, D-Las Vegas, spearheaded the legislation through the Legislature. Parks, the only openly gay legislator, has said the law is needed because there are no federal or state laws specifically protecting the rights of homosexuals.

"I'm immensely pleased that this passed," he said. "I was confident that it would pass -- because it is the right thing to do. I fought for civil rights in the '60s. This is just further evolution of equality."

Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, called it landmark legislation.

"I think this will be considered by far one of the most significant things we will have done during this legislative session," she said.

The bill passed the Senate on a 13-8 vote. Those who voted against the measure were: Mark Amodei, R-Carson City; Lawrence Jacobsen, R-Minden; Mike McGinness, R-Fallon; Ann O'Connell, R-Las Vegas; Bill O'Donnell, R-Las Vegas; Jon Porter, R-Boulder City; Ray Rawson, R-Las Vegas; and Maurice Washington, R-Sparks.

"No one should be discriminated against in the work place. My problem with this bill is that it provides social recognition to this group," O'Connell said.

Washington, a pastor, said homosexuality runs contrary to the historic religious values of the nation.

A pious, but paltry, group of protesters showed up to object to the bill.

"I think homosexuality is a sin. ... Why? The Bible says so," said Janine Hansen, president of the Nevada Eagle Forum.

O'Donnell said the legislation will invite lawsuits against the state's employers, even those who do not discriminate. He added proving someone's sexual orientation is more challenging than proving a person's racial group.

Jacobsen said homosexuality is an issue he does not feel comfortable discussing.

"I was raised in a ranch family in Douglas County. It was just something that wasn't talked about back then," Jacobsen said. "When I started in the Legislature 38 years ago, I couldn't have ever imagined something like this passing. Back then, I don't think people would have been comfortable discussing the issue.

" I really don't know any gay people. I know Assemblyman Parks is. But I don't really know him. We have never served on any committees together."