Human Rights Ordinance Returns To Council New Version Takes Out Controversial Elements; Changes Definitions

Spokane’s human rights ordinance returns to the City Council today with some of its most controversial elements removed and penalties for discrimination added.

The council will hold a first reading of the ordinance at the regular 6 p.m. meeting. No testimony will be taken.

A second reading and a hearing on the ordinance is set for Monday, when the City Council is also expected to vote on the proposal.

The City Council’s “town hall” style meeting this week will feature representatives from a half-dozen Spokane neighborhoods.

Presentations will be made by neighbors from Cliff/Cannon, Latah/Hangman, Peaceful Valley, Riverside, Thorpe/Westwood and Browne’s Addition neighborhoods.

Also on the agenda is the first reading of an ordinance amending the compensation and benefit plans for 18 of the city’s non-represented employees, including some top managers, the police and fire chiefs.

The proposed ordinance provides an annual pay adjustment. The amount would be determined by the city manager, and based on each employee’s performance evaluation.

No hearings are scheduled for today’s meeting.

The proposed human rights ordinance was last considered by the City Council on August 3.

After hearing hours of testimony, council members deferred action and asked that the ordinance be reworked to address a number of questions and concerns.

The most controversial references to gender identity and source of income have been removed from the proposed ordinance.

There are also changes in some definitions, as well as the enforcement, employment and housing sections of the ordinance.

Changes were made after several City Council workshops, and meetings of the council committee.

The revised ordinance, like the original, reinforces state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, color sex, national origin, marital status, familial status, age, or disability. It also goes a step beyond state law by prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation.

According to the definitions in the proposed ordinance, sexual orientation means actual or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality or bisexuality.

This sidebar appeared with the story: WHAT’S NEXT The City Council will hold a briefing at 3:30 p.m. today in the briefing center on the lower level of City Hall. The regular meeting starts at 6 p.m. in the council chambers.