10/24/1977 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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definition, noting the sex orientation phrase is introduced to areas to prohibit discrimination in housing, public accommodation, and . employment. Complaints of discrimination would be processed through '4It the Human Rights Council. He noted it did not include creation of any new commission. T~eamendment had been reviewed and endorsed by the Human Rights Council. He commented on the number of letters and petitions which had been received by the Manager's Office and City Councilors, both in favor and in opposition. George Russell, President, Human Rights Council, said it should be clear this proposal change does not endorse any type of nonmajority sexual behavior. It would provide a legal recourse for the citizens who may be otherwise deprived. It does not outlaw prejudices, although there exist some very strong prejudices in this community resulting in discrimination. If Council believes discrimination does exist, then it is necessary to protect the constitutional rights of all persons subject to this discrimination, noting the issue is a human rights issue. He said it was not a matter of Council forcing moral codes on private citizens, but rather a human rights issue. He said the ordinance would not interfere with the employers, landlord's or owner's rights to deny a person for homo- or heterosexual conduct. He felt it clearly inappropriate to construe community disfavor on a h~man rights issue. If this were true, he said, slavery would still be the mode of the day. The basis of the constitution is to protect individuals from the tyranny of the majority and he, again, cited this as a human rights issue. He said under the constitution, individual citizens are assumed to be free to make any transactions they so. wish. He said there are those who argue social prejudice cannot be ~ overcome by legislation, but said it was not the prejudices that would. be forbi dden but only the arbi trary and caprici ous acts of di scrimi na- tion that come from such prejudices. He said Council should att~mpt to understand the issue of social prejudice, and the amendment snould be considered only in light of human rights. Public hearing was opened. Mayor Keller noted proponents and opponents would be given one hour each for testimony. He explained the ground rules of testimony before City Council, and asked those who were testifying to be brief and not repeat testimony. He said the first amendment allows the right for each person to speak as he feels compelled to, and cautioned the crowd that that right should be owed and respected to each person tonight. He requested no applause, booing, hissing, or heckling. Those speaking in favor of the proposed amendment were the following: Larry Monical, 1344 Pearl, Citizens for Gay Rights Carole Kirkpatrick, 1633-A Oak Street, clinical psychologist Andy Thompson, 2910 Ferry Street, psychologist Irwin Noparstak, 2324 Alder, psychiatrist Glenn Gordon, 1136 East 20th, physician Phil George, speaking for Thomas Payzant, 249 Coachman Drive, Supt., Eugene Schools . Barb West, 3025 Fri endly Street, 4-J School Board member ( . 10/24/77--4 19b