Brent Cromley
During the first 12 years of my life, growing up in Montana, it was against the law for a person of my race to marry an African American or an Asian American. Montana’s anti-miscegenation law was not repealed until 1953. It was not until 1967 that the U.S. Supreme Court declared these laws, still existing in sixteen other states, unconstitutional.
Though it may be uncomfortable to think about now, arguments for passing and keeping laws forbidding interracial marriage were largely based upon Biblical references advocating the separation of races. Christians almost universally have modified their interpretation of these biblical references, and embrace the concept of all races being placed on an equal plane. There are other references in the Bible to activities that, while considered sinful or abominations at the time, are now considered by most Christians to merely reflect the attitudes of the time. I am thinking of such matters as the consumption of pork, the wearing of pants by women, and the fact that slavery was condoned.
I sense that more and more Christians today are coming to believe that biblical criticism of homosexuality was based upon the state of knowledge at the time, and perhaps on particular examples of sexual exploitation that, to all of us, would still seem reprehensible.
One of the best comments made at the recent City Council hearing was by a man who described himself as a “recovering homophobe.” That perfectly describes me. As I grew up, having no education or experience with this concept of what we now call “sexual orientation,” my ignorance gradually changed to fear. I feared that I would be approached by a homosexual. I feared that others might call me homosexual. I feared that I might have to associate with a homosexual. Sadly, that was the environment and the experience for many of us.
I have “inherited” so much from my three kids, and perhaps the most important thing I have gained from raising them is the ability to see the wonderful beauty of the diversity that exists in people. Through their friends, their spouses, and their extended families, my life has been greatly enriched by the diversity they represent.
Though many have said they have not witnessed discrimination against the LGBTQ community, we have now heard, firsthand, references to hundreds of instances of lost jobs, lost promotions, and restrictions on the ability to obtain housing.
Nondiscrimination laws and ordinances are now the standard, and not the exception. According to one recent report, with Houston passing an “NDO” in May, all major cities in the country now have in place protection for a person’s sexual orientation. Minneapolis is said to have the oldest such ordinance in place, having passed one 40 years ago. Denver passed an NDO over 10 years ago, Salt Lake City almost four years ago.
Salt Lake City reportedly has had three complaints of discrimination filed since the ordinance was passed four years ago. There will always be examples of some “crazy lawsuit” being filed. I still hear references to the lawsuit against McDonald’s for selling hot coffee, and expect to for a long time to come. On the other hand, I don’t believe that the lack of a large number of complaints indicates that such ordinances are unnecessary; I believe instead they indicate that, like all laws, the presence of the law deters much of the activity.
Acceptance of diversity is good for Billings as an “inviting” community, and is also good for business. Most of the businesses that I am familiar with are interested in growth, in increasing income and in expanding their influence in the community. According to Equality Forum, over 95 percent of Fortune 500 companies voluntarily include sexual orientation in their employment nondiscrimination policies. Although it would be nice to think that these protections were put in place out of purely altruistic concerns, I am realistic enough to know that a big impetus for such protections is the fact that they are good for the bottom line.
Billings is home to many great local and national businesses, and it is likely that, with our having passed the 100,000 mark in population, more and more businesses will be interested in starting or expanding into this market. Additionally, Billings, being the home of many wonderful attractions, as well as being the “Trailhead” to nearby national treasures, is primed to expand its reputation as a great place to visit, to stay, and to convene.
National and regional organizations seeking to determine meeting locations, as well as national rating services, look closely at how “open and inviting” various venues are in making their recommendations. Billings will be at a disadvantage if we are not looked upon as a place where all are welcome.
Considering an NDO for Billings is an exciting opportunity in so many ways. All of us have an opportunity to participate and decide what kind of community we will be. We can choose to embrace diversity, to make sure we are a welcoming community for everyone.
My hope is that we adopt a well-written, inclusive NDO and embrace the future which, for Billings, looks very bright indeed.
Brent Cromley, an attorney, represents Ward 1 on the Billings City Council.
