Royal Oak Considering Human Rights Ordinance Like One Proposed in Rochester Hills

The Royal Oak City Commission voted 6-1 this week to approve a human rights ordinance on the first reading. 

The ordinance, drafted by City Attorney Dave Gillam, would protect against discrimination in employment, housing or public accommodation on the basis of height, weight, marital status, source of income, family responsibility, education association, sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV status.

Read the full report on Royal Oak Patch.

It is similar to one that a citizen group, called Rochester Hills Together, urged Rochester Hills leaders to adopt last year.

That ordinance, proponents said, would serve as a welcome mat for the city and protect all citizens from discrimination. Rochester Hills City Councilmembers ultimately chose not to consider the ordinance, saying it should be enacted at the state and federal level and not by a city.

Last February, councilmembers did approve a resolution that strengthened the city's commitment to civil rights.  

If passed into law, Royal Oak will join Ann Arbor, Birmingham, Detroit, East Lansing, Ferndale, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Saginaw, Traverse City and Ypsilanti in enacting a human rights ordinance, according to Royal Oak Patch.