The Scottsdale City Council voted this week to move forward with a law protecting members of the LGBT community. It reversed a previous decision in April that called for only a non-binding pledge.

Mayor Jim Lane, who was one of the two dissenting votes, believes fellow council members succumbed to pressure from gay rights groups pushing for more than just the pledge.

“If you don’t pass the ordinance, it constitutes sort of a self proclamation that you are bigoted, non-inclusive, unfriendly and unwelcoming," said Lane.

According to Lane, that perception is simply untrue and that an ordinance — such as the ones passed in Phoenix and Tempe — would put undue burden on businesses and stigmatize those who oppose it — in particular, the religious right.

But now that Mayor Lane’s hand has been forced, what type of measure would he want to see passed?

“To protect the LGBT community, but as the same time preserve and protect the freedoms and rights of all businesses and individuals and organizations," Lane said.

The council has asked the city manager to explore options for a new law providing official protections.