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RESOLUTION R-1516-65: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN ACKNOWLEDGING RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN FEDERAL LAW INTERPRETING TITLE VII SEX DISCRIMINATION PROTECTION PROHIBITING SEX BASED CONSIDERATIONS IN EMPLOYMENT AND IN CHAPTER 7 OF THE CITY OF NORMAN CODE OF ORDINANCES TO INCLUDE GUARDING AGAINST CONSIDERATION OF SUCH ASSUMPTIONS OR STEREOTYPES STEMMING FROM SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR GENDER IDENTITY AND SETTING FORTH THE POLICY OF THE CITY OF NORMAN THAT THE REASONING PROVIDED THEREIN BE INCORPORATED INTO CITY POLICY WHEN ADDRESSING SUCH ISSUES.
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BACKGROUND: At the October 26, 2015, meeting of the City of Norman Human Rights Commission ("HRC"), the City Attorney's Office presented a requested legal update of sex discrimination jurisprudence, specifically regarding cases focused on discrimination claims grounded in disparate treatment due to sexual orientation and gender identity. The HRC voted unanimously to request that the City Attorney's Office provide the same legal update to City Council and to recommend that Council adopt a resolution providing policy clarification regarding the administration of City policies and ordinances as well as the interpretation and enforcement of Chapter 7 of the City's Code of Ordinances in accordance with the information provided.
At the December 8, 2015, City Council Conference, the City Attorney presented the requested legal update and a draft resolution to Council. Council requested that the draft resolution be placed on the December 22, 2015, Agenda.
DISCUSSION: Several recent developments in federal law have provided protection against discrimination grounded in assumptions and stereotypes associated with an individual's sexual orientation and/or gender identity, particularly in the areas of employment and housing. Presidential executive orders specifically protect both federal civilian employees and employees of federal contractors from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation ...
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