Butte Drafting Anti-Discrimination Ordinance

BUTTE, Mont. (AP) — The Butte-Silver Bow Council of Commissioners has asked the county attorney to draft an ordinance that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Montana Standard reports (http://bit.ly/1blwjyM ) the council approved the motion Wednesday.

The draft ordinance is expected to be similar to one approved in Missoula in 2010 to protect people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered from housing and hiring discrimination.

Helena has a similar ordinance, but it includes a provision that says in restrooms or places like athletic club locker rooms people should use facilities designated for their anatomical sex.

Commissioner John Sorich suggested last week that the Butte ordinance include that provision, but the decision was made to work from Missoula's ordinance.