Fiscal Note
No appropriation is required. Any additional workload will be absorbed within existing staff resources.
Title
Amending Section 39.03 of the Madison General Ordinances to add unemployment as a protected class.
Body
DRAFTER'S ANALYSIS: This amendment prohibits discrimination in employment based on the fact that an individual is currently unemployed. It prohibits an employer from refusing to hire an unemployed person or to post any notice or advertisement relating to employment that indicates a preference for hiring someone who is currently employed.
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The Common Council of the City of Madison do hereby ordain as follows:
1. Subsection (1) entitled “Declaration of Policy” of Section 39.03 entitled “Equal Opportunities Ordinance” of the Madison General Ordinance is amended to read as follows:
“(1) Declaration of Policy. The practice of providing equal opportunities in housing, employment, public accommodations and City facilities to persons without regard to sex, race, religion, color, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, handicap/disability, marital status, source of income, arrest record, conviction record, less than honorable discharge, physical appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic identity, political beliefs, familial status, student status, domestic partnership status, receipt of rental assistance, unemployment or status as a victim of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking is a desirable goal of the City of Madison and a matter of legitimate concern to its government. Discrimination against any of Madison’s residents or visitors endangers the rights and privileges of all. The denial of equal opportunity intensifies group conflict, undermines the foundations of our democratic society, and adversely affects the general welfare of the community. Denial of equal opportunity in employment deprives the community of the full...
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