Tonight’s Springfield’s City Council meeting ended with a whimper before the meeting could even get started. Councilmen Thomas Bieker filed a motion to table the discussion. Bieker, who came under media scrutiny after the council meeting two weeks ago will be tweeting during tonight’s meeting.

Opponents on the left argue that COUNCIL BILL 2012-248 should include “gender identity” and “sexual orientation” to a list of protected classes in the areas of Fair Employment and Housing Practices within Springfield city limits. Conservatives argue that this bill will step on the toes of small businesses, churches and organizations, citing that tonight’s topic points to a larger constitutional issue.

COUNCIL BILL 2012-248.     (Seifried)
A special ordinance submitting proposed amendments to Chapter 2 and Chapter 62 of the Springfield City Code to the qualified voters of the City at the next special election held by the City of Springfield on November 6, 2012, in order to add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as protected classes in the areas of Fair Employment Practices, Fair Housing Practices, and Public Accommodations within the City of Springfield, with an exemption for religiously-based or religion-affiliated businesses, and declaring an emergency.

The unheard voice through this combative process has been that of centrists who find themselves left out of the debate. The progressive position, promoted by Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights and Community Relations pushes for increased legislation that could be detrimental to small business, while the right’s position, led by conservative evangelicals, seems to protect “freedom” as long it’s a freedom that conservatives can agree with. For now, both parties will have to wait as the outcome of this bill is still to be determined.

Tonight’s entire Springfield’s city council meeting agenda is available here and you can watch the live feed here.