The Springfield City Council voted to table a proposal to expand the city's nondiscrimination ordinance.
The city is considering prohibiting discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The council was considering Monday night whether to vote on the issue or put it to a public vote.
Instead, the council voted 7-2 to postpone action on the ordinance.
The city will instead appoint a task force to work toward a compromise on an issue that has created passionate debate for weeks.
Mayor Bob Stephens says it will take some time to appoint the task force and discuss what he called an important issue for the community.