After Months, Berea Still Taking "First Step" on Human Rights Commission

Despite months of meetings on a proposed fairness ordinance and human rights commission, members of the Berea city council still say they're taking the “first step” on the issue.In May, the council first considered passing an ordinance banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and creating a commission to educate the public. A subcommittee was formed to research and inform the rest of the council on the two ideas.Some expected the council would vote on the ordinance last month, but that didn't happen. Instead, the subcommittee held two public forums and about eight meetings.  Tuesday night, the subcommittee will present their findings on a human rights commission to the council.  But committee member Truman Fields says there will not be a vote on whether to actually form the commission.“We’re getting a lot of material, talked to a lot of people," Fields said. "We’re going to do something pretty soon.  No, I don’t think we’re going too slow.”The council will only discuss the human rights commission Tuesday. Two such discussions are required before a vote on an ordinance.