Pope Francis: “If someone is gay…, who am I to judge. Gay people should be integrated into society instead of ostracized.” and tweet “Inequality is the root of social evil.” followed by his asking for more acceptance and inclusion of gays in the church in a Vatican document October 13 made worldwide news.

In one week from October 6 to 13, court rulings overturning bans on gay marriage have been fast and furious legalizing marriage equality in nine states: Indiana, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, Idaho, Nevada, North Carolina and Alaska.

Yes, this is a celebratory and wonderfully encouraging giant historic step forward.

However, it is very important to note that while 21 states, D.C. and hundreds of municipalities have laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Arizona and Fountain Hills are not among them.

Each one of us has a gay family member, friend, coworker, or acquaintance that we love, care about and respect. The mere fact that non-discrimination laws are being passed demonstrates that they need to be. Morality is something we cannot legislate, but civil and human rights are. Individuals may be able to hold their own prejudices, but they should not be allowed to act on them.

Please join me in sending emails to the Fountain Hills Town Council asking them to place on its Nov. 6, agenda for both hearing and adoption a Non-Discrimination Ordinance making it illegal to discriminate against any Fountain Hills resident or visitor on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation similar to the ordinances enacted in Tempe, Phoenix and other Arizona (AZ) and nationwide municipalities. Their email addresses are: kbuchanan@fh.az.gov, dbrown@fh.az.gov, gdickey@fh.az.gov, telkie@fh.az.gov, chansen@fh.az.gov, hleger@fh.az.gov, lkavanagh@fh.az.gov, cyates@fh.az.gov.