Will Maplewood join some nearby communities and add gender identity and sexual orientation to its non-discrimination policies?

Councilman Shawn Faulkingham said on his Facebook page on March 28, that he was interested in adding those specifics to Maplewood's non-discrimination policies.

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He said Clayton, Richmond Heights, University City, Olivette and The Clayton School District now include that language to their non-discrimination definitions, and asked for feedback.

He got five positive public responses and one negative to his question.

“I think it is sad it even needs to be written,” Chrys Fincannon Kramer said.  “(In my opinion) it should be a given. However, I am against more government in general, so I don't think it should be added in the ordinances.”

“I think it's a great idea!” Logan Faulkingham said. “Even though there shouldn't be a "law"about it people should treat each other equally but that's too much to ask for.”

Katie Gietschier Meyers, Mary Kunce and Gwen said they were for it.

“Yes, please do it,” Brad Chester said. “There are a good number of lgbt (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) people in Maplewood and this would mean a lot to all of us. I never had an issue with being gay in Maplewood, but I still think it’s a great idea and a nice statement for this wonderful city to do.”

Councilman Tim Dunn proposed an ordinance to make the change, and it was on the agenda for the May 22 council meeting but it was tabled. Faulkingham said some members wanted to discuss it more before voting.

Patch announced the tabling on Facebook, which prompted negative comments.

“I can say that the council should know that failing to amend the code of ordinances to prohibit discrimination will have a negative impact on the amount of money I spend in the Maplewood business district on my way home every day,” Garrick Stolz said.

“Tabled?! So much for progress. :( Harrumph,” Michele Bequette said.

Katie Gietschier Meyers wondered why, and for how the long the tabling would be.

“Change is slow but will come!” said Mary Kunce.