Petitions against Springfield ordinance certified

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The Springfield city clerk has certified a referendum petition opposing expansion of the city's nondiscrimination ordinance.

The Springfield News-Leader reported the decision makes it likely the question will go before voters in April.

The repeal effort began shortly after the city council voted in October to make it illegal to discriminate against people because of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing and public accommodations.

Opponents turned in the petition with more than 2,500 signatures last week, more than twice the 1,144 needed.

The council now can choose to repeal the ordinance, send the issue to voters or take no action, which would also automatically put in on the ballot.

Information from: Springfield News-Leader, http://www.news-leader.com