11:17 AM EST on Thursday, November 11, 2004

Louisville-- A local minister says if everyone is not able to take avantage of marriage then he will no longer marry anyone, gay or straight.

His decision comes at a time when Metro Louisville is getting ready to restart a very familiar debate in protecting gays and lesbians. The debate follows a national election where banning same sex marriage was a key in bringing out voters.

The Clifton Unitarian Church has been on Payne Street for about 100 years. Last Sunday, it's minister made an announcement.

"I feel it is my obligation as an act of solidarity with those American citizens that are being discriminated against to perform no more weddings until weddings are redeemed by becoming available to all citizens," says Reverend Todd Eklof.

Eklof says he will not perform any marriages until all of the 11 amendments banning same sex unions passed on November 2nd are off the books.

"I hope not to have a long wait," says Eklof. "It is immoral for a group of people to force their religious values through legislation onto every other citizen in the country."

His decision comes at a time when the new metro government will get back into a very familiar debate

On Thursday night, first reading will be giving to re-enact an ordinance that has been in place for almost five years in the old City of Louisville and Jefferson County.

The Fairness ordinance prohibits discrimination in employment, housing and public accomidation for gays and lesbians. The votes are there to have the law passed as is.

But another ordinance will also get first reading that would gut the ordinance of its clauses for gender identify and sexual orientation.

"I think 75 per cent of the people spoke last week were not in favor of this type of legislation," says Councilman Doug Hawkins (R) District 25. "Doing this right now flies in the face of constituents."

But most are confident, a majority of citizens favor anti discrimination laws.

"Getting into same sex marriage have nothing to do with the Fairness Ordinance," Says Council Denise Bentley (D) 1st District. "It prohibits discrimination and I think that is the goal of this council."

Council President Kelly Downard, a republican, is in favor of the older law. "It is anti-discrimination and I have reviewed it and found nothing wrong with it."

The council might vote in two weeks.