Long Beach : Council Backs State Bill Banning Sex Discrimination
The City Council has added its support to a proposed state measure that would outlaw discrimination in housing or employment based on sexual orientation.
“This simply brings the state largely in alignment with where the city is,” said Councilman Tom Clark, noting that Long Beach already has its own ordinance banning discrimination against gays and lesbians.
Under the anti-discrimination proposal, Assembly Bill 101, complaints would be investigated by the state Department of Fair Employment and Housing.
The council also endorsed Senate Bill 98, which increases the penalty for hate crimes to a maximum of one year in jail. Existing state law carries a penalty of not more than six months in a county jail, a fine of $5,000 or both.
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