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West Hollywood moves to protect families of diverse relationship structures and forms task force to study benefits
Summary
The council introduced an ordinance banning discrimination based on family or relationship structure and unanimously created a staff working group to study a separate registration program and potential employee benefits, with staff estimating a six‑month work plan for deliverables.
West Hollywood’s City Council on a unanimous vote introduced an ordinance that would prohibit discrimination on the basis of family or relationship structure and directed staff to create a working group to develop a registration program and study implications for employee benefits.
City Attorney staff framed the proposal as two linked efforts: an anti‑discrimination ordinance covering access to housing, business establishments, city facilities and city‑supported services; and a separate registration program for multi‑partner or polyamorous families that would mirror protections already afforded by the city’s domestic partnership program without attempting to change state definitions. “The first was direction to come back with a, anti‑discrimination ordinance that would [prohibit] discrimination on people based on their family or relationship structure,” the city attorney said.
Speakers from LGBTQ+ and survivor support organizations urged prompt action and asked for a short, accountable timeline. Brian Wenke asked the council to require the working group return with concrete proposals within 90 days to six months, and Christina Fialho urged council members to be bold in extending protections.
City Clerk Melissa Crowder told council she did not think a 90‑day deadline was feasible for staff but that a six‑month timeline was: “90 days, I don't think is possible for myself and the human resources manager... 6 months, yes, that I think is doable for us.” Council voted 5‑0 to introduce the ordinance on first reading and to form the staff working group with the six‑month target.
Council and staff emphasized that exploring employee benefits and the legal implications with CalPERS and insurance contracts will require more study and separate labor/meet‑and‑confer processes if benefit enhancements are sought. Staff recommended separating the registration program from the city's domestic partnership code to reduce conflict with state law.
What’s next: The ordinance was introduced on first reading and the staff working group will return with recommendations and analysis on the registration program and related employee‑benefit questions within the council‑requested timeline (staff indicated six months is feasible).
