(Photo courtesy of Scottsdale)

Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane

The Scottsdale Council voted Monday to move forward with a law protecting members of the LGBT community.

This comes after a previous decision that called for a non-binding anti-discrimination pledge.

Mayor Jim Lane was one of two dissenting votes on the council. He said this type of ordinance, which is similar to the ones passed in Phoenix and Tempe, could put undue burden on businesses and stigmatize those who oppose it. For example, he said that someone’s actions could be misconstrued as discriminatory even if that wasn’t their intent. He also said he thinks it’s important to consider the feelings and beliefs of those who may oppose the law.

The Scottsdale Council has asked the city manager to explore options for this proposed new law that would provide official protections for the LGBT community.