GOSHEN — The Goshen City Council will discuss some controversial changes to its current civil rights ordinance on Tuesday night. It includes adding the words “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to those who should be protected against discrimination.

“We want to be the kind of city that encourages debate and discussion, but we draw the line at discrimination,” Eric Kanagy told WSBT News.

Earlier this year, Kanagy and several others approached some city council members about amending the ordinance. Kanagy feels some have misunderstood what it’s about.

“You start talking about sexuality and it turns into this huge issue and all these other things come in, like marriage and domestic partner benefits and those sorts of things, and that’s not what this is about at all,” he explained. “This is about extending basic civil rights to everybody.”

His request has gotten the attention of several council members who are in favor of making the change.

‘We've all got our different views on life and what we do and I'm a firm believer that discrimination is wrong and hope Goshen is a community that strives for equality,” said Councilman Jeremy Stutsman.

He says as it is drawn up, it has nothing to do with issues surrounding the institution of marriage or religious beliefs; it only pertains to basic human rights.

“I am anti-discrimination and that’s where I come from,” Councilman Chic Lantz added, “I'm really not endorsing anything.”

However, the potential change is striking a sour note with many, like WFRN Radio. Station talk show host Doug Moore released this statement:

"Why would the Goshen City Council enact an ordinance which could end up forcing business to hire male cross dressers or daycares to hire active bisexuals to care for children? It’s a drastic change in public policy for Goshen and Elkhart County and the people deserve time to voice their opinion. I just hope that the Goshen City Council won't ramrod this through.”

We have a crew at the meeting and will bring you the latest on WSBT News at 10 and 11.