DETROIT (CWNews.com) - An auxiliary bishop of Detroit on Sunday rallied in the suburb of Ferndale for the passage of a new city ordinance that would ban discrimination against homosexuals and lesbians and would not exempt churches or church-run organizations, according to the Detroit News newspaper.

    Bishop Thomas Gumbleton spoke at a rally at St. James Catholic Church in Ferndale in support of the ordinance that will go before voters on February 22. "This will send a message that we do not tolerate any discrimination in this community," he said. "Every person has certain rights that extend beyond how they act or live."

    The proposed ordinance, which was approved 4-1 by the Ferndale City Council in September, makes it illegal to discriminate against anyone regarding employment, housing, public accommodations, and public services on the basis of race; color; religion; gender; age; height or weight; marital status; sexual orientation; familial status; national origin; or physical or mental disability.

    If passed violators, including churches that refuse to hire homosexuals for positions in charities, educational positions, day care centers, or even the clergy, would face $500 fines and civil lawsuits.

    A spokesman for the Archdiocese of Detroit said the Church support human rights for all people and asked whether the ordinance would "give homosexuals the green light to practice their acts?" Opponents claim it would. Former city councilman Robert Paczkowski said, "This ordinance is a smoke screen to promote homosexual lifestyles. I don't think a city ordinance should promote same-sex love-making." He added, "Everyone is protected by the same laws. No one is discriminating against gays in this city. They are just trying to get more leverage in their gay movement."

    Paczkowski also commented on Bishop Gumbleton's appearance at St. James, where the former councilor is a member. "Gumbleton is the most (left)-winged individual you'll find and everyone has been trying to shut him up for years," he said. "He's a full-blown liberal and (St. James) church has recently been headed in that same direction."