On Thursday night, Gainesville City Commissioner Craig Lowe proposed changes to the wording of the city's existing anti-discrimination law. The series of proposed changes would eliminate the need for businesses to add on extra bathrooms and locker rooms. If passed, the changes would lessen the financial burden on local businesses. They would not have to worry about additional construction and possible lawsuits.

The changes would also reduce concerns of businesses and citizens regarding the controversial bathroom issue in the law. Commissioner Lowe says the changes were needed to keep a more favorable business climate in Gainesville.

The Gainesville area Chamber of Commerce issued a statement the day after the meeting declaring their opposition to the charter amendement. it stated that it opposes any form of discrimination. But Chamber of Commerce chairman Joe Cirulli says they were also concerned about "what kind of litigation could occur".

The changes will be considered by the city's Equal Opportunity Committee before going back to the Commission for a vote.

For more information, please see video. By TV 20's Monika Plocheney: mplocheney@wcjb.com