The Topeka City Council this past Tuesday, by a 6-2 vote, passed an ordinance designed to discourage prejudice on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Before a packed house in the Topeka City Council chambers, 17 people spoke about the ordinance - sponsored by Councilman Chad Manspeaker - that would allow the Human Relations Commission to help protect those groups from prejudice through education.

Much of the discussion was emotional, passionate. That was especially true when several council members spoke of friends or loved ones who had been victimized by discrimation because of their sexual preference.

The following slideshow offers a sampling of some of the comments offered before passage of the ordinance.

Source: Cjonline