title
Ordinance No. 0-98-55
An ordinance of the City of Gainesville, Florida, amending Chapter 8 of the Code of Ordinances relating to discrimination; providing for definition of "sexual orientation"; adding sexual orientation to the classifications protected from discrimination except as otherwise provided; amending the powers and function of the human relations advisory board; providing directions to the codifier; providing a severability clause; providing an effective date.
recommendation
The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance as amended.
explanation
At the direction of the City Commission on February 9, 1998, the City Attorney's office revised the City's current anti-discrimination ordinance to include "sexual orientation." On April 20, 1998, the City passed on first reading the above-referenced ordinance.
On May 4, 1998, the City Commission met and heard public comments on the proposed amendments to the anti-discrimination ordinance. At that meeting, the City Commission approved amendments relating to the exemption of religious institutions from sexual orientation discrimination in the four areas regulated under the ordinance: employment, public accommodations, fair housing, and fair credit opportunity.