Huntersville residents voice concerns against proposed Non Discrimination Ordinance

The Town Board Meeting held on March 4, 2025, in Huntersville, North Carolina, focused primarily on the proposed Non-Discrimination Ordinance (NDO), which sparked significant debate among community members. The meeting featured a series of public comments, with many residents expressing their opposition to the ordinance.

The discussion began with a resident voicing concerns about the necessity of the NDO, citing a lack of documented discrimination complaints in the past seven years. This speaker argued that the ordinance could create division within the community and questioned the need for additional regulations when existing state and federal laws already provide protections against discrimination.

Cindy Brewer, another resident, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that current laws cover equal opportunity in employment and housing. She pointed out that Huntersville is a welcoming community and expressed fears that the NDO could impose undue financial burdens on small businesses, potentially stifling growth and innovation.

Elizabeth Laskowski, a small business owner, raised concerns about the potential infringement on religious liberties, stating that the ordinance could force individuals to act against their deeply held beliefs. She emphasized the importance of respecting individual conscience while treating others with dignity.

Michael Fitzgerald warned that the NDO could lead to frivolous complaints against businesses, creating a hostile environment. He referenced past Supreme Court cases that have addressed similar issues, urging the board to consider the legal implications and potential costs associated with defending the ordinance.

Donald Woodard, also a small business owner, expressed worries about the financial strain the ordinance could place on the town, particularly if it requires hiring outside experts to handle discrimination cases. He questioned the credibility of the town's legal counsel, who had indicated potential legal challenges to the ordinance.

In contrast, Christine Wolak argued for the necessity of the NDO, presenting hypothetical scenarios where individuals could face discrimination without repercussions. She urged the board to act promptly, suggesting that delaying the ordinance could lead to missed opportunities for protection.

Laura Lyons criticized the lack of thorough evaluation behind the NDO, asserting that it could infringe on free speech and religious beliefs while failing to address the actual needs of the community.

Linda Zamora, drawing from her background in mediation, expressed concern that the ordinance could create an atmosphere of fear and suspicion among business owners and customers. She emphasized the importance of fostering a welcoming environment rather than one that could lead to divisiveness.

The meeting concluded with a clear divide among residents regarding the proposed ordinance, highlighting the complexities of balancing individual rights with community protections. The board will need to consider these varied perspectives as they move forward with discussions on the NDO.