By BJ Austin, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-966908.mp3
Dallas, TX – Fort Worth officials say only one recommendation of a "Diversity Task Force" remains un-done. KERA's BJ Austin says the Task Force was formed after the controversial raid on the Rainbow Lounge two years ago.
In the summer of 2009 Fort Worth Police and Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission agents made an unannounced check of the new Rainbow Lounge, a gay bar. Several people claimed they were mistreated by police. One patron suffered a serious head injury during the encounter. The city of Fort Worth has since settled with the man. Yesterday, city council members got a progress update on recommendations made by the Diversity Task Force that was created after the incident. Mayor Mike Moncrief says Fort Worth stepped up to make the city more inclusive.
Moncrief: And the fact that 19 out of 20 of those items on that list have been implemented is a pretty strong statement.
Jon Nelson, founder of the group Fairness Fort Worth, says the city has really come through.
Nelson: I think that there is no city, because I've looked, in the United States that has done more in less time on these issues than the city of Fort Worth.
The remaining recommendation from the Diversity Task Force deals with treatment of gender identity disorder. City officials say that has an impact on city health care costs, and will be part of the 2012 budget discussions.