Wichita’s proposed non-discrimination ordinance seemed likely to pass on Tuesday after City Council members gave it initial approval last week.
But after about three hours of public comment on the new policy, the council voted 5-2 to table the ordinance until at least Oct. 12.
The ordinance would ban discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations based on factors such as age, race, religion, gender identity and sexual orientation. Complaints would be investigated, and the city could enforce a penalty of up to $2,000 for violations.
More than a dozen other cities in Kansas have similar ordinances.
“We are the 49th largest city in America,” said Noah Blanco of Wichita. “It’s about time we started acting like it. … We’re on the cusp of being able to use this as a platform for even more progress for equity and equality in this city.”