Fort Worth churchgoers urge city to overturn gay-friendly policies
By MIKE LEE
Posted Tuesday, Jul. 13, 2010FORT WORTH — More than 100 people from local churches urged the City Council on Tuesday night to overturn some of the policies that the city adopted last year in the wake of protests after arrests at the Rainbow Lounge, a gay bar on the near south side.
One patron was seriously injured during the “bar check” on June 28, 2009.
After weeks of protests by gay activists and sympathizers, city officials adopted several proposals recommended by a task force.
Among them were more training for employees and the appointment of a Police Department liaison to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.
Other proposals, such as extending health and retirement benefits to gay couples and covering sex reassignment surgery under the city’s health insurance, are still being studied.
On Tuesday, speakers said the city went too far and didn’t take their Christian beliefs into account.