Shelby advances legislation linked to Civil Rights Act
As Shelby City Council begins considering a new piece of legislation, Councilman Nathan Martin describes it as one of great significance.
“This basically takes the Civil Rights Act and codifies it for the city of Shelby,” Martin said. “I think that’s an important thing to do.”
Ordinance No. 4-2024, enacting chapter 217, impermissible expenditures of the codified ordinances of the city of Shelby, was introduced on March 4 and is due for a second reading as soon as March 18.
The ordinance, sponsored by Councilmember Martin, addressed the use of funds for “discriminatory activities,” which, as he described, needed to reflect the city’s stance against discrimination.
Councilman Martin took the floor to advocate for the legislation, stating, “This is just an effort to ensure going forward that nobody within the city is discriminated against because of immutable characteristics” – things that a person cannot change.
Martin’s comments were rooted in personal experience as a parent, citing his family’s diversity and his belief in meritocracy.
“This obviously hits home to me, my family,” he said as part of his introductory remarks. “I have a very diverse family.”
“I have children who are obviously of different color. I have children who also have disabilities,” Martin said.
He passionately expressed his desire for the city to act as a beacon of hope and freedom, reflecting the American values of equality and opportunity irrespective of race, beliefs, or other immutable characteristics.
“We live in the greatest country in the world, because we firmly believe that the Declaration of Independence is a promise and not a deceit,” he said.
“And that truly, if you work hard and you do what you’re supposed to do, that we are a meritocracy,” Martin said. “And that people are judged on their merit and the value they bring to the table,