TITLE: Title
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 8 of the Town Code to Prohibit Discrimination in Employment and in Places of Public Accommodations
PURPOSE: The purpose of this item is for the Town Council to consider adopting an ordinance amending Chapter 8 of the Town Code to prohibit discrimination in employment and in places of public accommodations.
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DEPARTMENT: Town Council, Town Attorney, Town Clerk
CONTACT INFORMATION: Mayor Lydia Lavelle, Council Member Damon Seils, Nick Herman, Cathy Dorando
INFORMATION: In a resolution approved during the March 26, 2016, special meeting of the Town Council, the Town Council resolved to adopt appropriate local ordinances to advance the cause of equal protection and encouraged local governments to exercise their legislative authority to promote equal protection and nondiscrimination. Section 3 of S.L. 2017-4, which prevented local governments from enacting or amending ordinances regulating private employment practices or regulating public accommodations, expired on December 1, 2020. The draft ordinance (Attachment) would amend Chapter 8 of the Town Code by adding new, comprehensive nondiscrimination protections for numerous categories-including sexual orientation and gender identity and expression-in employment and public accommodations. A similar ordinance is being considered by the Chapel Hill Town Council, the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners, and the Orange County Board of Commissioners.
FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT: There is no fiscal or staff impact associated with this agenda item.
RECOMMENDATION:r It is recommended that the Town Council consider adopting the draft ordinance.