City Council
MEETING DATE: 7/13/2016
TITLE:
Title
Adding Gender Identity to City Non-Discrimination Ordinances
End
FROM:
Charlie McClendon, City Manager
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council provide second reading and approve an ordinance amending the municipal code by adding gender identity to the non-discrimination provisions of the code.
Body
BACKGROUND:
The municipal code - section 11.88.010 Public Policy - establishes that it is city policy that arbitrary discrimination is prohibited. The language in the code is as follows:
It is hereby declared as the public policy of the city of Cathedral City that it is necessary to protect and safeguard the right and opportunity of all persons to be free from all forms of arbitrary discrimination, including discrimination based upon sex, marital status, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, physical handicap, sexual orientation and domestic partnership status. (Ord. 465 § 4, 1997; Ord. 181 § 1, 1987)
Similar language appears elsewhere in the code prohibiting businesses participating in the sales tax sharing program from discriminating (3.46.050) and prohibiting hotels participating in the TOT sharing program from discriminating (3.25.050).
Council held a discussion in study session on May 25 regarding the possible addition of gender identity to the non-discrimination provisions of the code. Staff was asked to bring back an ordinance for consideration. First reading of the ordinance was held on June 8, 2016.
DISCUSSION:
The Human Rights Campaign website, <http://www.hrc.org/resources/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-terminology-and-definitions>, suggests that both Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation should be included in non-discrimination policies and ordinances. It provides the following definition for gender identity:
One's innermost concept of self as male, female, a blend of both or neither - how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves. One's gender identity can be the same or different from their sex assigned at birth.
Council has already acted to protect transgender individuals through the recent passage of an ordinance requiring single stall restrooms to be gender neutral.
The attached ordinance adds gender identity to the non-discrimination provisions of the municipal code.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
ATTACHMENTS:
Ordinance