The DeKalb County Commission recently approved a non-discrimination ordinance. The new ordinance bans businesses in unincorporated DeKalb County from discriminating against a wide group of protected classes, including the LGBTQ+ community and individuals under the Crown Act.
On Wednesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” DeKalb County Commissioner Robert Patrick talked with show host Rose Scott about the new measure and how recent decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court are currently impacting it. In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a cake shop denying service to a same-sex couple. This year, the Supreme Court also ruled that a digital creator could refuse to make wedding websites for gay couples.
According to DeKalb County’s website, if a business owner violates the ordinance, it can result in a six-month suspension of their business license or, should they drive a taxi or other services, a suspension of their driver’s permit.
During the conversation, Patrick talked about the importance of equity.
“I want to be treated fair and equally and I think that’s a reasonable expectation that everyone else has,” Patrick said.
