An anti-discrimination resolution was passed 3-1 by Butler City Council at Thursday’s council meeting at the city building.

The resolution was initially proposed in October by Mayor Tom Donaldson as a response to the proposed anti-discrimination ordinance created by Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) and aimed, in part, at eliminating housing and employment discrimination.

A proposed ordinance was debated for months last year at city council meetings.

The resolution states, in part, “Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City of Butler Council, that we as a community show proper respect for the dignity of all members of our community, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religious belief, or conscience so that there remains adequate space for diverse beliefs and action and so that people of goodwill can all enjoy the freedom and the blessings of liberty afforded to them by the constitutions of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

When the resolution was voted on in October, it failed by a 2-2 vote, with councilman Michael Walter abstaining. Donaldson and councilman Kenny Bonus voted for the motion, and councilwoman Kathy Kline and councilman Corey Roche voted against it.

This time, Donaldson and Bonus again voted for the motion, while Roche joined them with a vote in favor. Kline voted against the motion, while Walter abstained.

Bonus commented on the resolution.

“It was us taking an action without putting something in law but at least setting the tone that we’re accepting of everybody,” he said.

Donaldson explained why he voted for the resolution to pass.

“I just want to bury the issue because an ordinance would hurt the city,” he said.

He said the resolution shows that the city condemns discrimination.

Walter explained why he abstained from voting.

“I felt there was more work to be done on the ordinance,” he said. “I like the ordinance; I do. I just felt it would be more productive not to have the resolution pass because once that resolution passes it may take away work on the ordinance.”

Kline and Roche have been meeting with multiple members of PFLAG, as well as Bill Halle, founder of Grace Youth and Family Foundation who represents religious leaders and business owners who are concerned that some of the wording in the proposed ordinance would limit religious and business freedoms. The goal of these meetings is to find wording that is agreeable to both parties.

Kline gave her reason for voting against the resolution.

“It is certainly not because I am for discrimination,” she said. “It is simply because we are still working and talking and having discussions on trying to do some rewording on the ordinance.”

Roche explained why his vote changed from a no to a yes. “We’re not close to getting an ordinance yet so I think it shows that we’re still committed to finding a resolution for both parties, and it’s just a way to show that we’re committed to listening to both sides and finding a good solution,” he said.