Business owners: Gay rights law good for Springfield

About two dozen employers and employees gathered at the steps of City Hall yesterday to support Springfield's expanded nondiscrimination ordinance to include sexual orientation and gender identity.

According to the Springfield News-Leader, Gilardi's Ristorante owner James Martin said the expanded ordinance is paramount to making the city diverse and welcoming.

"This is not about a law," he said. "This is about who we are. This is good for business, good for Springfield and good for the future."

The vote on whether to appeal the expanded ordinance will appear on the April 7 municipal ballot, along with races for mayor, council and the school board.

Read more from the Springfield News-Leader.