Kansas City outlaws discrimination against people with criminal record [Video]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Kansas City council passed an ordinance Thursday outlawing discrimination against people with criminal backgrounds. Supporters of the ordinance believe the message is about giving everyone a fair chance at a fresh start.

“Oh my goodness. I’d hate to even think about it. I don’t know what would’ve happened if I wouldn’t have been given a second chance,” said Thomas James.

James said he understands the value of grace. After serving five years in federal prison for mail fraud, he is now living life on the other side, but says it wasn’t easy getting there.

“When people saw that, I mean my first job I even worked for a church and I was working there at the church and they dug deeper into my background, and found out that I had a felony and I was terminated,” said James.

His hope through a newly passed ordinance …