The Springfield City Clerk has certified a referendum petition opposing the October 13th decision to amend the city’s nondiscrimination ordinance.
According to a news release from the city, the issue now goes back to Springfield City Council, likely at the November 24th meeting. Council will have three options: repeal the ordinance, send it to voters or take no action. If no action is taken within 30 days of the petition being certified, city charter “dictates it automatically to the voters.” If the issue goes to the voters, it would be put on hold until the next general municipal election in April 2015.
Citizens have the right through the referendum process to approve or reject at the polls any ordinance passed by city council.
The nondiscrimination ordinance provides protections for sexual orientation and gender identity.
The number of required signatures for a successful referendum petition is 10 percent of the total number of votes cast in the most recent municipal election. In this case, that was 11,444 in April, 2013.
Copies of the certified petitions are available in the city clerk’s office.