§ 5.68.010. Purpose and intent.

It is the intent of the city and county of Butte-Silver Bow, Montana (city-county) that no person shall be denied his or her civil rights or be discriminated against based upon his or her actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, age, marital or familial status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. The council of commissioners declares that such discrimination prohibitions are necessary and desirable for the following reasons:

A.

The city-county deems it necessary consistent with Montana's illegal discrimination law to identify, protect and safeguard the right and opportunity of all persons to be free from discrimination as identified in Montana's illegal discrimination laws as well as to address and make it illegal to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

B.

The city-county finds that discrimination in the areas of employment, public accommodations and housing is a serious threat to the health, safety, and general welfare of the community. Discrimination creates strife and unrest and deprives the city-county of its full capacity for economic development by decreasing productivity and increasing demand for city-county services.

C.

The city-county has received public testimony and written complaints from citizens reporting instances of discrimination. The city-county finds that existing state and federal laws regarding discrimination do not adequately address all discriminatory acts reported by the city-county's diverse residents. The city-county deems it necessary to adopt local regulations adapted to the needs of its citizens.

D.

Nothing in this chapter is intended to alter or abridge other rights, protections, or privileges secured by state or federal law, including state and federal constitutional protections of freedom of speech and exercise of religion.

( Ord. No. 13-17, § 2, 3-19-2014 )