Laserfiche WebLink
Employment Faimess Cover Letter —page 5 <br />been a focus of public concern and debate in South Bend for over five years. Unless they are <br />employed by the city, individuals are at risk to lose a job over their actual or perceived sexual <br />orientation or gender identity. The Common Council can take action to allow the Human Rights <br />Commission to address this discrimination, and it is the opinion of the sponsors of this <br />amendment that the council should do so. Not only will this promote the fair treatment and <br />equality that South Bend wishes to extend to all citizens, but it will also promote the type of <br />climate that is essential in attracting innovative businesses in this competitive global marketplace. <br />Discrimination in all areas is a concern, but any employment decision which impairs a person's <br />ability to earn an honest and fair living in South Bend is troubling. South Bend is committed to <br />the principle that all persons within this City be recruited, hired, developed, promoted, and treated <br />as employees on the basis of individual merit and ability. Guaranteeing this right to all South <br />Bend residents without reference to a person's sexual orientation and gender identity can and <br />should be addressed by amending the South Bend Human Rights ordinance. (Please note this <br />legislation will exclude organizations that are a part of recognized religious institutions.) <br />If the Human Rights Ordinance is amended to prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of <br />sexual orientation and gender identity, individuals will be able to bring allegations of employment <br />discrimination to members of the Human Rights Commission, who can investigate, determine if <br />there is evidence of discrimination, mediate, and try to resolve the issue. Our Human Rights <br />Commission is experienced at this process. The procedures are already in place to handle <br />allegations of employment discrimination. We need only give them the power to investigate cases <br />of sexual orientation or gender identity discrimination in the workplace for them to do so. <br />ember <br />Ann Puzzello, 4"' District ouncil Member <br />A] `Buddy" Kirsits, Cil Member at Large <br />Attachment <br />