The City Council members put off making a decision on a controversial human rights ordinance Monday night.

After more than three-and-a-half hours of testimony, council members asked that the ordinance be reworked to address a wide range of questions.

"I can't vote for it, there are too many areas of concern for me," said Councilwoman Roberta Greene. "But that doesn't say my concerns can't be handled."

"I'm ready to vote against discrimination, but I am not ready to vote on this ordinance," she added.

The ordinance would reinforce state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin and familial status.

However, it goes a step further by also targeting discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and source of income.

Monday, Frank Cikutovich, chairman of the city's Human Rights Commission, faxed a letter to council members suggesting removal of gender identity and source of income language if it would make the ordinance more palatable.

The council heard testimony from 48 speakers, 28 asking that the ordinance be rejected. Testimony was more civil than two weeks ago when comments sometimes turned vicious.

"I am constantly amazed how people can lose their sense of decency," said Greene.

"We've seen a great deal of bigotry and anger," added Mayor John Talbott.

"We clearly have a problem of acceptance," he added. "But this legislation isn't going to get us there."

Critic David DeWolfe, representing Citizens for Common Sense, warned the ordinance would have unintended consequences including a chilling effect on business.

He called the ordinance an example of "good intentions badly carried through."

Cindi Abbott, a lesbian mother, said she's heartsick at the hate and venom from those opposing the ordinance.

"We are your neighbors, co-workers and people - people worthy of protection from discrimination," she said.

Cherie Rodgers was the only council member supporting the proposed ordinance. She voted against taking another 60 days to rework the language.

"This is not a hard decision for me, not even close," she said. The ordinance would prevent discrimination and ensures equal opportunities in employment, housing and public accommodations, such as hotels.

Such sweeping protections for homosexuals are rare in Washington cities and counties.

Many cities prohibit discrimination against their own municipal employees. Some cities require contractors to have similar human rights provisions for their employees. There are also protections for state and federal employees.

Washington state law doesn't protect the general public from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Last fall, 60 percent of voters statewide trounced Initiative 677 seeking employment protection for gays.

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