Jillian Kinzie's explanation of individual answers above:

*1. I am proud to be part of a community that recognizes that LGBT community members can be discriminated against in the same way as other minority populations and have the same rights as all citizens to live free from that discrimination. I absolutely support the protections that are in place in the Human Rights Ordinance.

*2. I definitely believe that LGBT community members should receive the same basic civil rights as all other members of our community, and I fully support further examining the extent to which compliance with LGBT nondiscrimination protections can be made mandatory. Unfortunately, there is no law currently on the books in Indiana that protect LGBT Hoosiers from discrimination at the state level, complicating the extent to which the current Bloomington HRO is enforceable with respect to LGBT nondiscrimination protections. However, I am committed to working with the Human Rights Commission, LGBT community members and Indiana Equality to determine the best approach to ensure equality and fairness for all Bloomington residents.

*3. As a progressive, university town we ought to recognize different forms of partnerships. Citizens involved in long-term, committed relationships deserve the same benefits regardless of whether or not they also have a marriage license, and regardless of the gender of the individuals. Extending benefits to domestic partners is an important aspect of attracting and retaining the best employees, and is a demonstration of a supportive, welcoming environment and of our commitment to the value of diversity.

*4. I support processes and procedures that may help employers extend benefits to domestic partners. This is an issue of basic fairness and economic sense. I would support further examining domestic partner registries have been developed and implemented in other progressive and supportive communities, and subsequently developing a plan for Bloomington that best promotes fairness and equality.

*5. As I indicated above, I support processes and procedures that may help employers extend benefits to domestic partners. This is an issue of basic fairness and economic sense. I would support further examining domestic partner registries have developed and implemented in other progressive and supportive communities, and subsequently developing a plan for Bloomington that best promotes fairness and equality. I am also committed to working with the City, the Human Rights Commission, LGBT community members and Indiana Equality to determine the best approach to ensure equality and fairness for all Bloomington residents.

Statement about LGBT Rights (optional)

If you wish, please write a maximum of 75 words on how you will promote a safe, supportive community in Bloomington and throughout Monroe County for all people, including LGBT people and their families.

Kinzie: I would work to ensure that all citizens are treated fairly and justly, while striving to enhance and honor the inclusive, welcoming and diverse aspects of our community. LGBT citizens and their families should feel welcome and safe in Bloomington. Toward these ends, I would work to expand human rights protections and domestic partner benefits, work collaboratively with local organizations to address inequities, and support positive community developments including gay tourism and celebrations of diversity.