10154-12 Amend Code Various Sections Article 9, Chapter 2 New Provisions Addressing Gender Identiy and Sexual Orientation

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Ordinance No. y 0 J ( �,. AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF ARTICLE 9, OF CHAPTER 2 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE BY THE INCLUSION OF NEW PROVISIONS ADDRESSING GENDER IDENTITY AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND INTENT As Mayor Pete Buttigieg noted in his swearing -in speech on January 1, 2012, "In setting the vision for local government, it helps to recall why city government exists in the first place: to enable people to go about their lives and focus on what really matters. Leading a healthy, happy life is enough of a challenge without having to worry about basic services." Thus, it is in this spirit that the current South Bend Human Rights Ordinance should be amended to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and to provide remedies for such discrimination occurring within the city limits. This legislative initiative is in accordance with the Resolution of the South Bend Human Rights Commission dated June 17, 2010; with former Mayor Stephen J. Luecke's Executive Order 1 -2009; and with the South Bend Human Rights Commission Position Statement adopted on January 19, 2005 and formally sent to the South Bend Common Council on March 10, 2005. The proposed regulations are believed to be reasonable and necessary and in the best interests of the City of South Bend, Indiana. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, as follows: SECTION I. Chapter 2, Article 9 of the South Bend Municipal Code (Human Rights Ordinance) shall be and hereby is amended at Section 2 -127 to read as follows: Sec. 2 -127. Purpose. (a) It is the public policy of the City of South Bend to provide all of its citizens equal opportunity for education, employment, access to public conveniences and accommodations, and acquisition through purchase or rental of real property including, but not limited to, housing, and to eliminate segregation or separation based on race, religion, color, sex, disability, national originzer ancestry, sexual orientation or gender identity, and familial status in housing, since such segregation is an impediment to equal opportunity. Equal education and employment opportunities and equal access to and use of public accommodations and equal opportunity for acquisition of real property including but not limited to housing are hereby declared to be civil rights.