The Cincinnati Enquirer

DOWNTOWN - Cincinnati Councilman Sam Malone has asked the city solicitor for an opinion about whether the Cincinnati Human Relations Commission exceeded its bounds by taking a position on a gay rights issue.

The commission voted overwhelmingly last week to support the repeal of Article XII of Cincinnati's charter, which forbids City Council from passing a gay rights ordinance.

The commission is a separate nonprofit entity, but its members are appointed by the mayor and it receives most of its funding from the city, which also provides office space at City Hall.

"As an organization housed at 801 Plum St., should CHRC be involved in any political activity? Whose agenda are they serving?" said Malone, a Republican.

Commission Chairman Art Shriberg could not be reached.