LEBANON, N.H. (WCAX) - Is Lebanon, New Hampshire, no longer welcoming to its residents? It’s a fair question to ask after the city voted to repeal its “Welcoming Ordinance.”

The ordinance was established in 2020 to take a stand against discrimination in all forms. City officials say that the mission continues, despite the City Council voting 8-1 to repeal the ordinance.

“We will continue to emphasize nondiscrimination and moving away from bias,” Lebanon Mayor Doug Whittlesey said.

But the city’s Welcoming Ordinance, which put those principles of inclusivity in writing, has been repealed, largely for financial reasons.

“The new law that was passed by the state includes penalties of 25% of any state revenues allocated to the city of Lebanon,” Whittlesey said.

Back in May, New Hampshire

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