Newark City Council unanimously passed an ordinance on Tuesday that will put in place additional nondiscrimination policies based on a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. The legislation, sponsored by Jeremy Blake, a gay council member, adds to policies that the city already passed in 2014. That year, council approved legislation that prohibited such discrimination in its human-relations ordinances, which apply to private employers in the city, said Newark Law Director Doug Sassen.

NEWARK � Newark City Council unanimously passed an ordinance on Tuesday that will put in place additional nondiscrimination policies based on a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.



The legislation, sponsored by Jeremy Blake, a gay council member, adds to policies that the city already passed in 2014. That year, council approved legislation that prohibited such discrimination in its human-relations ordinances, which apply to private employers in the city, said Newark Law Director Doug Sassen.



With Tuesday�s vote, the council included the LGBT language in its equal-employment, fair-housing and ethnic-intimidation policies, expanding the discrimination ban to all aspects of Newark�s codified ordinances and the city's hiring practices. It also adds clear protections for gender identity or expression.



The measure passed 10-0 at Tuesday evening's council meeting.



Blake said he was hopeful that council could update the city�s policies �so we can protect people of LGBT status.�



But he also hopes that Newark, joining with other Ohio cities that have passed similar legislation, will help send the message to Ohio lawmakers that such policies should be enacted at a state level.



�I do want it to add to the momentum, add to that chorus that we shouldn�t have to do this city by city,� Blake said.



Newark should be applauded for reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity, said Alana Jochum, executive director of Equality Ohio, a nonprofit that advocates for fair treatment and equal opportunity for all Ohioans regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.



�We listed them as an inclusive city before, and we�re just thrilled that they�re taking this additional step now,� Jochum said.



Newark is one of about 15 Ohio cities that have passed LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination policies, according to Equality Ohio. Columbus and Bexley also have protections in place, the only other municipalities in central Ohio to do so.



The protections for the LGBT community send a message that Newark welcomes everyone, Blake said.



�It will show that Newark respects all people. Newark is inclusive,� Blake said. �We may be this town over in Licking County, but we are the county seat and we are inclusive of all people and we want to express our love."



jsmola@dispatch.com

@jennsmola