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Hazel Park council adds ‘family and relationship structure’ protections in human rights ordinance (first reading)
Summary
Council approved on first reading an amendment to Hazel Park’s human rights ordinance to add 'family and relationship structure' as a protected category, prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations; proponents said the change protects diverse household forms including multi-generational and chosen families.
On May 12 the Hazel Park City Council approved on first reading an amendment to the city’s human rights ordinance that adds "family and relationship structure" as a protected characteristic, barring discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations.
Council members argued the change reflects contemporary household diversity—multi-generational homes, stepfamilies, unmarried cohabiting couples and people in nonmonogamous relationships—and protects residents who live with chosen families. Advocates and sponsors characterized the amendment as a tool to reduce housing and workplace discrimination.
Council discussion noted demographic shifts away from a single "nuclear" household form and cited statistics on multi-generational households and cohabiting couples. The motion passed on first reading; additional readings or ordinance steps may follow the city’s regular adoption process.
Council members said Hazel Park is among early adopters of this form of local protection; proponents thanked staff and community organizations for assistance drafting the amendment. No formal legal citations were introduced in the meeting record, and the transcript does not record a final ordinance adoption vote.
