Discrimination against Muslims, refugees not tolerated in Fayette

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Human Rights Commission condemns recent political statements or platforms directly aimed at discriminating against Muslims or at certain religions, classes of citizens and non-citizens based on their national origin.

We further express condemnation of any state efforts that would ban the entrance of Syrians or any other class of people in need of refuge in Kentucky based on national origin or religion.

The inflammatory positions taken by some politicians are directly aimed at certain protected classes and are in direct opposition of the oath we take as commissioners to eliminate discrimination and promote mutual understanding and respect among all groups in Fayette County. Our community has proven to be a leader in equal rights and opportunity. The commission strongly objects to discriminatory rhetoric and actions in any form.

The first two months of 2016 should have been a time of joyous celebration and recollection of civil-rights milestones and achievements. On Jan. 18, we honored the life and work of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. King is synonymous with the civil rights movement and we often use this time to recognize the struggles and challenges that confront us on the path toward equality.

On Jan. 27, more than 100 individuals gathered at the University of Kentucky College of Law for a one-day symposium commemorating the 50th anniversary of the passage of the 1966 Kentucky Civil Rights Act.

Gov. Edward T. Breathitt signed it into law on Jan. 27, 1966. The act prohibits discrimination in employment and public accommodations based on race, national origin, color and religion. It also disallowed housing discrimination.

With its passage, Kentucky became the first state in the South to pass a civil rights law and to establish state enforcement powers over civil-rights violations. King called it “the strongest and most comprehensive civil rights bill passed by a Southern state.”

During February, we undertook the annual observance of Black History Month, a time to highlight the many sacrifices and contributions by countless African-Americans.

While great individuals, events and positive achievements are being commemorated and celebrated across the commonwealth, it is difficult and frustrating to be bombarded with negative comments directed at our Muslim brothers and sisters emanating from the presidential campaign trail. This discourse is not productive and runs afoul of everything our legislators envisioned leading up to the passage of the Kentucky Civil Rights Act.

The commission’s mandate is to uphold Lexington’s local ordinances prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation. In addition, it has authority to investigate alleged violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967.

The commission is on record that any positions taken by our public servants which operate to discriminate against our constituents based on their national origin, sex, race, color, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity violates local ordinances 199-94 and 201-99. The commission will take all necessary steps to protect the rights of all our citizens to be free from discrimination from any source.

If you feel that you have been the victim of discrimination, please call (859) 252-4931 or visit www.lfuchrc.org.

This story was originally published February 29, 2016 at 6:56 PM with the headline "Discrimination against Muslims, refugees not tolerated in Fayette."