Back in 2009, an ordinance was put before the Flagstaff, Arizona City Council that would have made it illegal to discriminate against LGBT people when it comes to employment, housing, public accommodations and education. This proposed ordinance had some real teeth, and would have addressed head on the problem of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Unfortunately, the ordinance didn't pass. Not only did it not pass, it was defeated 6-1, and replaced with a non-binding resolution that praised the concept of inclusion, but had no force of law whatsoever. That's a nice sentiment, but in the real world where LGBT people regularly face losing their jobs because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, or are refused services because of who they are, the non-binding resolution essentially turned out to be a nice piece of fluff.

Nearly two years later, however, there's word that the defeated gay rights ordinance might make another appearance before the Flagstaff City Council. What a great opportunity to make up for a past vote that defeated a law that would have ensured a measure of equality for LGBT residents in Flagstaff.

According to the Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff City Manager Kevin Burke will be speaking with City Council members over the coming weeks to gauge whether there's enough momentum to re-introduce legislation that would outlaw anti-LGBT discrimination with regards to employment, housing, public accommodations and education.

Flagstaff should make 2011 a year in which the city takes a firm stand against anti-LGBT discrimination, and follows the lead of hundreds of other cities across the U.S. in making sure that no LGBT resident has to worry about being discriminated against when it comes to the workplace, housing, public accommodations, or education.