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Arlington council advances controversial revision to anti-discrimination code after hours of public comment
Summary
The Arlington City Council approved a first-reading ordinance amending its anti-discrimination chapter and passed a companion resolution after hours of public testimony. Opponents said the changes remove local enforcement; supporters called the package a compromise to avoid leaving the city with no statement opposing discrimination.
The Arlington City Council on Feb. 10 approved a first-reading ordinance to rescind the temporary suspension of the city's anti-discrimination chapter and to amend the chapter, following several hours of public comment and a separate resolution condemning discrimination.
City staff presented the ordinance as an update to align the city's code with federal and state discrimination law and to streamline administration; Elizabeth Kaylor, the staff presenter, said the amendments "provide an opportunity for the city's administrator to connect individuals who believe they have experienced unlawful discrimination" and include provisions for parts of the chapter that might be preempted by higher law.
Opponents packed the public-comment period and contended the ordinance strips local protections. DJ Johannessen, CEO of the…
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