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Hundreds turn out to rally for/against Salina discrimination ordinance

by Pilar Pedraza

KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

7:24 AM CDT, October 23, 2012

(SALINA, Kan.)

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Nearly 200 people turned out at Salina's Bicentennial Hall Monday evening to show their support for repealing the city's anti-discrimination ordinance.

On election day, voters will decide whether to repeal parts of the city's new ordinance - which protects homosexuals and transgendered people.

A group called "Awaken Salina" called the gathering a Freedom of Religion rally. They want to repeal the ordinance, saying it violates their religious freedom.

Congrssman Tim Huelskamp was the keynote speaker for the rally.

"In many realms, many fronts, I think religious liberties are under attack in this country," Huelskamp said. "I think it's great that folks are getting involved and engaging and want to protect their religious liberties which is an essential part of our freedoms in this country."

Outside, those who support the ordinance rallied. They say it isn't a matter of freedom of religion, it's about discrimination against people.

Salina's State Representative Charlie Roth was among those in support of the ordinance. He says he sees the movement as an extension of the civil rights movement.

"In the 1960s I sat in at Strong Hall at the University of Kansas for civil rights," Roth said. "And I'm doing it again this time around, and I'll do it the next time it happens, too."

A reminder about the ballot. A "NO" vote is a vote to keep the anti-discrimination ordinance in Salina. A "YES" vote is a vote to repeal it.