Laramie leads Wyoming in moving to protect gays, lesbians

FILE - This Sept. 26, 2008 file photo shows a bench in front of the University of Wyoming Arts & Sciences building with a memorial plaque in honor of the late Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyo. The Laramie City Council considers the state's first anti-discrimination ordinance on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 that would ban employers as well as public facilities such as restaurants from discriminating against people on the basis of sexual orientation/identity. The Matthew Shepard Foundation, based in Denver, applauds the move, noting that much has changed since the UW undergrad was killed in Laramie in 1998. (AP Photo/Laramie Boomerang, Andy Carpenean, File)

By Associated Press May 13, 2015 1 min read

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) – Gay rights advocates have pushed unsuccessfully for years for a Wyoming law barring discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Now, they are poised to pass the first such ban: a local ordinance in Laramie, the college town where Matthew Shepard’s death triggered nationwide sympathy and brought a re-examination of attitudes toward gays 17 years ago.

The Laramie City Council is scheduled to hold its third and final vote on a proposed ban Wednesday evening. The measure would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in housing, employment and access to public facilities such as restaurants.

Shepard’s mother, Judy, runs a foundation that bears his name. She says she’s thrilled Laramie is poised to act, but says she’s saddened the entire state hasn’t done so.