HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-10-25 City Council (9)City of Palo Alto
C ty Manager’s Repor
TO:HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: COMMUNITY SERVICES
DATE:OCTOBER 25, 2004 CMR: 444:04
SUBJECT:RECOMMENDATION FROM THE HUMAN RELATIONS
COMMISSION TO REFER TO POLICY ANDSERVICES A
RECOMMENDATION TO THE CITY COUNCILTO ADOPT A
RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE FEDERAL MARRIAGE
AMENDMENT
RECOMMENDATION
The City of Palo Alto’s Human Relations Commission (HRC) recommends that the City
Council refer to the Policy and Services Committee for review and a recommendation on
the adoption of a resolution opposing a proposed federal constitutional amendment
defining marriage.
BACKGROUND
During its April and May meetings, the Human Relations Commission discussed the
attempt by the President of the United States and members of Congress to pass a
constitutional amendment defining marriage as only between a man and a woman.
Although the effort was defeated, proponents of the constitutional amendment ~ire
plamaing to reintroduce this legislation during the next congressional session.
The HRC also believes that any proposed amendment to the United States Constitution
would take power away from states that currently regulate marriage and the granting of
civil marriage licenses.
The HRC believes that the City Council should go on record adopting a resolution
opposing a constitutional amendment defining marriage as a union between a man and a
woman and commi~nicate its opposition in writing with a copy of the adopted resolution
to the City’s congressional delegation.
CMR 444:04 Page 1 of 2
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATION
The HRC believes that the proposed .amendment conflicts with the City of Palo Alto’s
Anti-Discrimination Ordinance and the City’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, Section
9.73.010. Statements of Policy:
a) Human Rights. It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to affirm, support and
protect the human rights of every person within its jurisdiction. These rights
include, but are not limited to, equal economic, political, and educational
opportunity; equal accommodations in all business establishments in the City; and
equal service and protection by all public agencies of the City.
b)Freedom from Arbitrary Discrimination. It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to
protect and safeguard the right and opportunity of every person to be free from
arbitrary discrimination on the basis of their race, skin color, gender, age, religion,
disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, housing status, marital
status, familial status, weight or height.
The City of Palo Alto’s Anti-Discrimination Ordinance bans discrimination against
people on the basis of their sexual orientation.
At its May 13, 2004 HRC meeting, .Commissioners discussed and passed its own
resolution opposing any constitutional amendment defining marriage and recommended
that the City Council adopt a similar resolution.
RESOURCE IMPACT
This recommendation does not represent a significant impact on staff resources.
PREPARED BY:
./NOZ~ : OWARD
DEPARTMENT HEAD
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
i RICHARD
Dire~
Services
Assistant City Manager
CMR 444:04 Page 2 of 2