HomeMy WebLinkAbout23807 RESOLUTION NO. 23807
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, EXPRESSING STRONG
OPPOSITION TO RELIGIOUS FREEDOM LEGISLATION
THAT DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY CONDONES
DISCRIMINATION OF PROTECTED CLASSES OF
PERSONS.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA FINDS:
A. It is the public policy of the City of Palm Springs that it is necessary to protect
and safeguard the right and opportunity of all persons to be free from all forms of
arbitrary discrimination; and
B. Under the laws of the City of Palm Springs, arbitrary discrimination is the
treatment of or distinction against a person based on the group, class or category to
which that person belongs rather than on individual merit and contrary to federal, state
or local law. Arbitrary discrimination under the laws of Palm Springs includes
discrimination because of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, age, gender,
sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, marital status, parental status, source of
income, HIV status, gender identification, or any other arbitrary factor; and
C. On March 26, 2015, the State of Indiana adopted the Religious Freedom
Restoration Act that many organizations, businesses, and individuals criticized as
potentially granting private businesses the right to discriminate against individuals who
are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender; and
D. The Indiana law could allow businesses to discriminate and similar legislation in
other states has made it difficult to protect victims of domestic violence, prosecute child
abusers, and ensure public safety and equal access for all citizens; and
E. The Mayor of Palm Springs on April 1, 2015, issued a statement condemning
Indiana's legislation as an affront to the residents of the Palm Springs, using religious
liberty as a government excuse for discrimination; and
F. The City Council is committed to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of
race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability,
medical condition, marital status, parental status, source of income, HIV status, gender
identification, or any other arbitrary factor; and
Resolution No. 23807
Page 2
G. On April 2, 2015, the Indiana State Legislature passed and the Governor of
Indiana signed an amendment clarifying that Indiana's Religious Freedom Restoration
Act did not authorize the denial of services, facilities, public accommodations, goods,
employment, or housing to anyone on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, age,
national origin, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or military service.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS RESOLVES:
1. The City Council expresses its opposition to Indiana's Religious Freedom
Restoration Act as originally passed and expresses its support for the amendment
signed into law on April 2, 2015.
2. The City Council reaffirms its support for protecting religious liberties while
protecting members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities from
discrimination.
3. The City Council declares and reaffirms its strong opposition to any federal or
state law that discriminates against an individual or group of individuals based on their
race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability,
medical condition, marital status, parental status, source of income, HIV status, gender
identification, or any other arbitrary factor.
4. The City Council directs the City Clerk to send of a copy of this resolution to the
Governor of Indiana, the Indiana State Legislature, and California legislative leaders as
deemed appropriate.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED BY THE PALM SPRINGS CITY
COUNCIL THIS 15T" DAY OF APRIL, 2015.
DAVID H. REA , MANAGER
ATTEST:
MES THOMPSON, CITY CLERK
Resolution No. 23807
Page 3
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss.
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS )
I, JAMES THOMPSON, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, hereby certify that
Resolution No. 23807 is a full, true and correct copy, and was duly adopted at a regular
meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs on 15th day of April, 2015, by the
following vote:
AYES: Councilmember Foat, Mayor Pro Tern Lewin, and Mayor Pougnet.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Hutcheson, and Councilmember Mills.
ABSTAIN: None.
MES THOMPSON' CITY CLERK
City of Palm Springs, CaliforniaaGo�ZOrS