Lawmakers in Omaha, Nebraska have been in disagreement for years over a possible ordinance that would protect LGBT individuals at work. Now, the city councilman behind the legislation has proof of how badly the law is needed. 

The University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Public Health conducted a study that found workplace discrimination to be “a growing problem” in Omaha, with nearly a third of individuals surveyed having experienced some kind of discrimination. There has been no statewide research on the subject, but 33 percent of the 800 respondents to the survey reported some form of discrimination at work for their sexuality or gender identity. 

“The national trend is that significant numbers of LGBT persons do experience workplace discrimination,” said the Rev. Scott Jones, a local minister who has spoken out at City Council meetings for the Heartland Clergy for Inclusiveness. “Now we have our own research university showing conclusively that it is a problem here.”

City Councilman Ben Gray will officially introduce the anti-discrimination measure on Feb. 28. Let’s hope this new factor helps the cause.